Within-Person Fluctuations in Momentary Loneliness Among People With Schizophrenia

Loneliness is highly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia and contributes to poor functional and clinical outcomes. However, most research to date has relied on trait-based assessments, providing limited insight into the dynamic nature of loneliness experiences.

The current study employed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine momentary loneliness and its variability in people with schizophrenia relative to a comparison group of participants without a history of serious mental illness (NC).

Participants included 104 adults (39 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 65 NC). Participants completed up to 28 EMA surveys over seven consecutive days.

Participants with schizophrenia reported significantly higher trait and momentary loneliness, as well as greater between-person and within-person variability in momentary loneliness. Trait loneliness was moderately associated with momentary loneliness but did not account for the elevated within-person variability observed in the schizophrenia group.

Findings underscore the importance of considering both chronic and dynamic features of loneliness in schizophrenia and highlight the potential value of real-time assessment for informing targeted interventions.