The experience of loneliness among people with psychosis: Qualitative meta-synthesis

Loneliness can be a significant challenge for people living with psychosis. We currently lack evidence about how to help with this. Understanding the origins, experience, and impact of loneliness in this group is helpful in developing strategies to reduce it. We therefore aimed to conduct a meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature exploring the nature of loneliness, and the factors contributing to the development and maintenance of loneliness, among people living with psychosis.

We searched four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science) for studies meeting pre-defined eligibility criteria. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and appraised the quality of each eligible study using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. We conducted thematic synthesis to combine the included qualitative findings to generate key overarching themes.

We included 41 articles and our analysis generated six meta-themes: (1) loneliness in the form of disconnection, (2) a rejecting and stigmatising external world, (3) loneliness and acute psychotic episodes and symptoms, (4) thwarted longing for connection, (5) paradoxes of loneliness and psychosis, and (6) well-being embedded in the social world. Our findings suggest a vicious cycle in which loneliness, psychosis and social withdrawal can be mutually reinforcing. Reciprocity of and continuity in relationships were valued by those with psychosis, while self-stigma and experiences of rejection appeared to exacerbate loneliness and impede recovery.

Our meta-synthesis offers insights into how people living with psychosis are affected by loneliness. Tailored interventions are needed, which should focus on supporting people in overcoming internal barriers to connection and low self-esteem, challenging stigma and self-stigma, and linking people to social support according to needs and preferences.