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loneliness

This shows a man standing alone and a clock.

·June 5, 2024·4 min read

Pandemic Loneliness Distorted Time Perception

Researchers found that pandemic-induced loneliness led to disorientation and time confusion. Surveying 3,300 French participants, the study revealed a strong link between social isolation and temporal disorientation. Young people under 25 were the most affected. The researchers call this phenomenon "temporal rupture," highlighting the pandemic's deep psychological impact.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 30, 2024·2 min read

Better Sleep Lowers Loneliness

Better sleep health significantly reduces feelings of loneliness, with the effect being stronger in younger adults. The findings suggest that improving sleep could be a key strategy in addressing loneliness, a pressing public health issue. The study involved 2,297 adults who completed online questionnaires about their sleep and loneliness levels.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 27, 2024·3 min read

AI Companions Combat Loneliness

AI technology could help alleviate loneliness, argue robotics experts. New research suggests that AI companionship can offer social interaction and help people practice social skills, breaking the cycle of loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 25, 2024·4 min read

Loneliness Tied to Problematic Porn Use

A new study links loneliness and difficulties in emotion regulation to problematic pornography use (PPU). The research found that people who interacted with online content creators reported lower PPU.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 19, 2024·4 min read

Love Hormone Oxytocin Eases Loneliness

A new study finds that oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," can reduce acute feelings of loneliness and enhance bonding in group therapy settings for individuals experiencing chronic loneliness. While not a cure-all, oxytocin shows promise as a supportive tool during therapy, potentially helping patients better navigate the initial challenges of addressing their loneliness.

This shows a woman gazing out of a window.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 17, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness May Predict Mental Health Issues

A study following 2600 participants over 20 years revealed a correlation between loneliness in adolescence and an increased risk of developing mental health problems like psychosis, bipolar disorder, and depression in adulthood. While causality cannot be definitively determined, the association is strong, highlighting the importance of monitoring and addressing loneliness in young people.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2024·6 min read

Friendly Chats Mitigate Social Exclusion Effects

Simple social interactions, like chatting with a friend, can mitigate the effects of social exclusion. The research found that both face-to-face conversations and anticipating future interactions help individuals recover quicker from social slights and feel more secure.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 30, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness Peaks in Youth and Old Age

A new study revealed a U-shaped pattern of loneliness across the lifespan, with higher levels in younger and older adults and the lowest during middle adulthood. The research identified risk factors for loneliness including social isolation, lower education, and physical impairments.

This shows an older man using a cell phone.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 28, 2024·5 min read

Let’s Talk: Web-Based Chats Boost Brain Function in Older Adults

Internet-based conversations can significantly improve cognitive functions in socially isolated older adults. The trial, known as I-CONECT, involved 186 participants aged 75 and older who engaged in structured video chats four times weekly, which helped enhance memory and executive function, particularly among those with mild cognitive impairment.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 24, 2024·4 min read

Parenting Demands Make People Feel Lonely

A new study highlights the widespread feelings of isolation and burnout among parents, with 66% reporting feelings of loneliness due to parenting demands. The study, involving parents across various demographics, shows that 62% experience burnout, and 38% lack supportive networks.

This shows a lonely child looking out a window.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 9, 2024·4 min read

Childhood Loneliness Linked to Later Psychosis

Childhood loneliness significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing a psychotic episode later in life, particularly in women. Through an observational case-control study involving 285 first-episode psychosis patients and 261 controls, the research distinguished the effects of subjective loneliness from objective social isolation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 4, 2024·6 min read

Loneliness, Food Cravings, and the Brain

A new study reveals the link between loneliness, cravings for high-calorie foods, and unhealthy eating behaviors in women, highlighting a significant brain activity pattern associated with social isolation. The research found that women feeling lonely show increased brain activation in areas related to cravings when exposed to images of sugary foods, alongside decreased self-control towards eating.