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Exploring the Frequency, Intensity, and Duration of Loneliness: A Latent Class Analysis of Data from the BBC Loneliness Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Pamela Qualter

    (Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK)

  • Kimberly Petersen

    (Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK)

  • Manuela Barreto

    (Psychology Department, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK)

  • Christina Victor

    (College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University, London UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Claudia Hammond

    (BBC Radio 4, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London W1A 1AA, UK)

  • Sana-Arub Arshad

    (Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK)

Abstract

Almost all measures of loneliness have been developed without discussing how to best conceptualize and assess the severity of loneliness. In the current study, we adapted the four-item UCLA, so that it continued to measure frequency of loneliness, but also assessed intensity and duration, providing a measure of other aspects of loneliness severity. Using data from participants resident in the UK who completed the BBC Loneliness Experiment (N = 36,767; F = 69.6%) and Latent Class Profile Analyses, we identified four groups of people who scored high on loneliness on at least one of the three severity measures. Duration of loneliness often over months or years seemed to be particularly important in distinguishing groups. Further, group membership was predicted by important demographic and psychological variables. We discuss the findings in terms of implications for research and practice. We highlight the need to explore these profiles longitudinally to investigate how membership predicts later mental and physical health, and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Pamela Qualter & Kimberly Petersen & Manuela Barreto & Christina Victor & Claudia Hammond & Sana-Arub Arshad, 2021. "Exploring the Frequency, Intensity, and Duration of Loneliness: A Latent Class Analysis of Data from the BBC Loneliness Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12027-:d:680397
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vermunt, Jeroen K., 2010. "Latent Class Modeling with Covariates: Two Improved Three-Step Approaches," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 18(4), pages 450-469.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marquez, Jose & Qualter, Pamela & Petersen, Kimberly & Humphrey, Neil & Black, Louise, 2022. "In a lonely place: Neighbourhood effects on loneliness among adolescents," SocArXiv hzer5, Center for Open Science.
    2. Casabianca, Elizabeth & Kovacic, Matija, 2024. "Social interactions, loneliness and health: A new angle on an old debate," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1378, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    3. Francesco Berlingieri & Matija Kovacic, 2023. "Health and relationship quality of the LGBTQIA+ population in Europe," Working Papers 2023: 29, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".

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