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A conceptual review of loneliness in adults: Qualitative evidence synthesis

Mansfield, Louise; Victor, Christina; Meads, Catherine; Daykin, Norma; Tomlinson, Alan; Lane, Jack; Gray, Karen; Golding, Alex

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Authors

Louise Mansfield

Christina Victor

Catherine Meads

Norma Daykin

Alan Tomlinson

Jack Lane

Karen Gray

Alex Golding



Abstract

The paper reports an evidence synthesis of how loneliness is conceptualised in qualitative studies in adults. Using PRISMA guidelines, our review evaluated exposure to or experiences of loneliness by adults (aged 16+) in any setting as outcomes, processes, or both. Our initial review included any qualitative or mixed-methods study, published or unpublished, in English, from 1945 to 2018, if it employed an identified theory or concept for understanding loneliness. The review was updated to include publications up to November 2020. We used a PEEST (Participants, Exposure, Evaluation, Study Design, Theory) inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment (CASP) were completed and cross-checked by a second reviewer. The Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) was used to evaluate confidence in the findings. We undertook a thematic synthesis using inductive methods for peer-reviewed papers. The evidence identified three types of distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of loneliness: social, emotional, and existential. We have high confidence in the evidence conceptualising social loneliness and moderate confidence in the evidence on emotional and existential loneliness. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of these diverse conceptualisations to inform more effective decision-making and intervention development to address the negative wellbeing impacts of loneliness.

Citation

Mansfield, L., Victor, C., Meads, C., Daykin, N., Tomlinson, A., Lane, J., …Golding, A. (2021). A conceptual review of loneliness in adults: Qualitative evidence synthesis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11522. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111522

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Oct 29, 2021
Online Publication Date Nov 1, 2021
Publication Date Nov 2, 2021
Deposit Date Jul 18, 2022
Publicly Available Date Jul 18, 2022
Journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Print ISSN 1661-7827
Electronic ISSN 1660-4601
Publisher MDPI
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 18
Issue 21
Pages 11522
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111522
Keywords loneliness; conceptual review; social loneliness; emotional loneliness; existential loneliness
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9708405
Publisher URL https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/21/11522

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