Experiences and meaning of loneliness beyond age and group identity.
loneliness
qualitative research
symbolic interactionsism
Journal
Sociology of health & illness
ISSN: 1467-9566
Titre abrégé: Sociol Health Illn
Pays: England
ID NLM: 8205036
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
01 2023
01 2023
Historique:
received:
24
11
2021
accepted:
08
08
2022
pubmed:
9
9
2022
medline:
7
1
2023
entrez:
8
9
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Research into loneliness has focussed on subpopulations, and in particular those defined by age, identifying specific contextual factors contributing to their experiences. We suggest that the 'essence' of loneliness cannot be fully captured by examining a unitary group and argue for broader and diverse sampling to better understand how loneliness is experienced. Informed by a symbolic interactionist approach, this study aims to elucidate experiences and meaning of loneliness among a heterogeneous group of adults. In depth interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 37 individuals, aged 18-71 years who had experienced loneliness in the UK. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified: Loneliness as lacking, loneliness as abandonment, lingering loneliness and the unspoken and trivialised experience of loneliness. Our analysis signals the complexity of loneliness did not necessarily conform to one-dimensional conceptualisations of the phenomenon. Loneliness is linked to interpersonal relationships, but also associated with participants' roles and identity within society. Thus, society exacerbates and creates loneliness. Implications for the support and provision of loneliness are also discussed.
Identifiants
pubmed: 36073866
doi: 10.1111/1467-9566.13539
pmc: PMC10087890
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
70-89Subventions
Organisme : Department of Health
ID : NIHR 128616
Pays : United Kingdom
Informations de copyright
© 2022 The Authors. Sociology of Health & Illness published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation for the Sociology of Health & Illness.
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