Results of a groundbreaking study released in March 2024 indicated endemic loneliness hovering over American life. The study shed light on why middle-aged Americans have higher levels of isolation compared to Europeans. It further concluded that the feeling of loneliness among Americans is not just a pandemic but a “constant” in everyday existence.
Published by the American Psychological Association, the research draws from a wealth of data spanning nearly two decades and encompassing over 53,000 participants across the United States and 13 European countries.
Lead author Frank Infurna, a psychology professor at Arizona State University, points out that loneliness isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a potent public health concern. Elevated levels of loneliness, he warns, can pave the way for depression, weaken immunity, and even shorten lives.
Weak family ties, income inequality
Infurna and his team uncover a multitude of factors at play. From weakened family ties to widening income inequality, the American landscape appears fraught with obstacles to meaningful connections. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, European nations boast more robust social safety nets and cultural norms that prioritize communal bonds over individualism.
The study paints a nuanced picture of generational shifts, showing a troubling trend of increasing loneliness, particularly among younger cohorts. As late baby boomers and Generation Xers grapple with the pressures of modern life, the specter of isolation looms larger than ever.
Endemic loneliness
Infurna advocates for tailored policy interventions that address the unique challenges faced by each nation and generation. By bolstering family and work benefits and tackling income inequality head-on, governments can chip away at the walls of loneliness that encircle so many.
Indeed, loneliness knows no borders, and its impact reverberates across continents. But armed with knowledge and determination, researchers and policymakers stand ready to forge a path toward a more connected, compassionate future. As Infurna aptly puts it, “Loneliness may be endemic, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable.”
Cover Photo: Depositphotos
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