Unravelling longitudinal associations of social and emotional loneliness with social isolation and mental health outcomes: a cross-lagged panel network analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Loneliness is a global public health concern that has been widely associated with a variety of mental health impairments. Two dimensions of loneliness have been differentiated, that is, social loneliness (the perceived absence or inadequacy of a broader social network) and emotional loneliness (the perceived absence of a close, intimate relationship or emotional support from a significant person). The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that both dimensions of loneliness are differentially associated with mental health outcomes.

Methods

Altogether, 3275 individuals (aged 45.2 ± 15.7 years, 47.9% men), enrolled from the general population, were assessed at two waves spanning 6 to 7 months. Social and emotional loneliness were quantified using the 11-item De Jong G

SUBMITTER: Misiak B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12816935 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature