Theoretical Approaches to Loneliness

Abstract

Psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists all concur in their regard of humans as social beings who require the support and companionship of other individuals throughout different stages of the life cycle. Any understanding of human existence must clarify people’s need for interpersonal interactions and must explore the emergence of connections and companionship (Storr, 1988). People may characterize their relationships along a continuum consisting of several measures such as good or bad, close or distant, intensive or superficial, fulfilling or frustrating. Loneliness represents a person’s sense of inner dissatisfaction in contrast to a desired quality and quantity of interpersonal relationships (Spitzberg & Hurt, 1987). In order to establish an in-depth evaluation of connectedness, loneliness, and social distress, the richness of human relations should be fully acknowledged, exploring the role of these relations in promoting a sense of personal coherence.