Determinants of Loneliness

Book Abstract

This Book ?Determinants of Loneliness? is an insightful examination of loneliness as a profound societal and public health issue, magni?ed through the lenses of history, geography, social dynamics, and mental health. This edited volume juxtaposes the historic valorization of solitude against the modern-day crisis of loneliness, illustrating how shifts in societal structures, technological advancements, and increased global connectivity have paradoxically fostered emotional and technological isolation. The book captures the nuanced impacts of loneliness across various demographics, including adolescents engaging in self-harm, informal caregivers in Africa, and the LGBTQI+ community,underlining the signi?cant mental health risks and societal challenges they face.Additionally, it highlights the exacerbation of loneliness in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing it as a pressing global mental health concern.Through comprehensive analysis and global perspectives,Determinants of Lonelinessinvites readers to understand and address the multifaceted nature of loneliness, advocating for empathetic and inclusive community actions.Loneliness transcends physical distance; it encompasses an overwhelming feeling of alienation that can persist even in the midst of vibrant interactions with people and networks. It is an inherent attribute of the human race, spanning the annals of time. During the seventeenth century, solitude was considered a fundamental transgression against humanity, which thrived inextricably within societal networks. In the latter half of the twentieth century, a widespread zeal for solitude marked a paradigm shift in people?s perceptions of loneliness. This perspective transformed with the advent of Romanticism. Consequently, this shift led to the recognition of loneliness as a signi?cant global public health concern.Persistent and prolonged loneliness is not merely a temporary emotional state;it is a condition that can lead to signi?cant health risks, including depression,anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases.