Gender, loneliness and happiness during COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Loneliness is a growing public health concern.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased psychological distress.
• Understanding gender differences in loneliness is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in loneliness among German adults from 2017 to 2020.
• To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness and life satisfaction.
• To examine gender disparities in loneliness and life satisfaction trends.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a representative German sample interviewed in 2017 and 2020.
• Comparative analysis of loneliness measures before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Examination of life satisfaction scores in relation to loneliness.

Main Results:

• Both men and women reported increased loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2017.
• The pandemic more than doubled the gender gap in loneliness, with women experiencing a larger increase.
• Women's life satisfaction significantly declined, a trend largely explained by their increased loneliness.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated loneliness, particularly among women in Germany.
• Increased loneliness in women during the pandemic contributed significantly to a decline in their life satisfaction.
• Findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive mental health support during public health crises.