Is loneliness the same as being alone?

Daniel W Russell1, Carolyn E Cutrona, Cynthia McRae

  • 1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-4380, USA. drussell@iastate.edu

The Journal of Psychology
|February 7, 2012
PubMed

Related Concept Videos

Importance of Need for Affiliation01:25

Importance of Need for Affiliation

The need for affiliation is a fundamental human motive that drives individuals to form and maintain interpersonal relationships. This universal drive varies in intensity among individuals due to genetic predispositions and life experiences, shaping it into a relatively stable personality trait. Social inclusion enhances emotional well-being by fulfilling the need for affiliation, whereas social exclusion leads to distress, negative emotions, and cognitive impairments.Psychological and Emotional...
Social Relationships and Well-Being01:30

Social Relationships and Well-Being

The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
Relationship Formation02:12

Relationship Formation

What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
Causes of Similarity-Dissimilarity Effect01:26

Causes of Similarity-Dissimilarity Effect

The similarity-dissimilarity effect, a fundamental concept in social psychology, explains how interpersonal similarities and differences influence attraction and social interactions. This effect is supported by three key psychological perspectives: balance theory, social comparison theory, and consensual validation.Balance Theory and Cognitive ConsistencyBalance theory, developed by Fritz Heider, posits that individuals seek cognitive consistency in their relationships. When two people share...
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood01:27

Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Understanding Love01:27

Understanding Love

Love, as a multifaceted psychological construct, encompasses emotions, cognitive processes, and behavioral patterns that play a crucial role in human relationships. It extends beyond attraction, manifesting in deep, enduring connections that influence personal well-being and social structures.Psychological Dimensions of LoveLove differs from friendship and mere liking through its depth and intensity. While friendship is built on mutual respect, trust, and companionship, love involves emotional...