Not the only source on the web on this topic, a short BBC News Magazine item titled “What’s the difference between being lonely and a loner?” Mentions the Loneliness Project report, based on a survey of UK residents, released by The Mental Health Foundation. In brief, the answers to the title question:
- Loneliness is not about being physically alone
- It’s about each individual’s evaluation of isolation
- A loner gets satisfaction from being alone, someone who is lonely doesn’t
Among other conclusions, the Mental Health Foundation report notes that:
- younger people (up to 60% of those surveyed aged 18-35) feel more lonely than older people (at 35%);
- technology has an isolating effect if not complemented by social networks;
- growing emphasis on work and productivity diminishing the importance of social life exacerbates loneliness;
- smaller family size contributes to more loneliness and depression.
URLs
BBC News article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8703173.stm
Mental Health Foundation news release page: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/media/news-releases/news-releases-2010/25-may-2010/
MHF Loneliness Project with download links for the report: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/loneliness-and-mental-health/