Understanding the interplay between social isolation, age, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies indicate differences in experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic but are constricted by limited timeframes and absence of key risk factors. This study explores temporal and inter-individual variations of loneliness in Canadians over the pandemic's first year (April 2020-2021), by identifying loneliness trajectories. It then seeks to provide information about groups overrepresented in high and persistent loneliness trajectories by examining their associations with risk factors: social isolation indicators (living alone, adherence to health measures limiting in-person contacts, and online contacts), young adultood, and the interactions between these factors. Data comes from a large longitudinal study with a representative Canadian sample (n = 1763) and 11 measu

SUBMITTER: Jarry F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11696544 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature