THE LANGUAGE OF LONELINESS: DEFINITIONS, EXPERIENCES, AND CONCEPTUALIZATION: THE VOICE OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USERS
2024
Understanding Loneliness: Voices of Older Adults
Sample size: 18
publication
Author Information
Author(s): O’Sullivan Roger
Primary Institution: Institute of Public Health in Ireland
Hypothesis
What does loneliness mean to older adult mental health service users?
Conclusion
The study reveals that loneliness is a complex experience defined differently by individuals, encompassing various emotional and social aspects.
Supporting Evidence
- Loneliness is a complex subjective experience.
- Participants discussed loneliness alongside social isolation and depression.
- The language used to describe loneliness needs to be diverse.
Takeaway
Loneliness is when you feel alone even if you're around people, and everyone experiences it differently.
Methodology
The study used life story interviews and thematic analysis to explore definitions and experiences of loneliness among older adults.
Limitations
The qualitative nature of the study may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Older adult mental health service users.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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