The Loneliness Paradox: Navigating the Challenges of Social Isolation

Year 2024, Issue: 28, 20 - 28, 22.05.2024

Meltem Ince Yenilmez Eylül Kabakçı Günay

https://doi.org/10.26650/iukad.2023.1349157

Abstract

The growing concern surrounding social isolation and loneliness has become more prominent than ever. As we enter the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a looming apprehension about the potential long-term impacts of loneliness on individuals. This study investigates the intricate components and prevalence of social isolation and loneliness across Europe. Its goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching impacts of loneliness, thereby providing a framework to guide interventions aimed at combating loneliness. The study’s main focus is on elements of the loneliness theory, such as existential discomfort and involuntary components. To determine whether social capital confers resilience or if loneliness is made worse by social network threats connected to one’s employment, the study examines how the epidemic affects vulnerable people. It emphasizes the importance of developing effective policies that address disparities in exposure to loneliness and lack of support based on socioeconomic status. The study addresses methodological issues in previous studies, including the limited pre-COVID-19 data. Significant geographical differences are revealed by this study’s comparative research of social isolation and loneliness throughout Europe. The results highlight the necessity for all-encompassing approaches to deal with the pervasive impacts of loneliness on productivity and mental health.

Keywords

Loneliness, Social Isolation, COVID-19 Pandemic

Yalnızlık Paradoksu: Toplumsal Yalnızlığın Zorluklarıyla Mücadele

Abstract

Sosyal izolasyon ve yalnızlık her zamankinden daha fazla sorun yaratmaktadır. Yalnızlığın uzun vadeli etkilerinin, COVID-19 salgını dördünü yılına geldiğinde hissedileceğine dair endişeler artmaktadır. Bu çalışma, Avrupa genelinde sosyal izolasyon ve yalnızlığın yaygınlığını ve bileşenlerini incelemektedir. Bu çalışmada, yalnızlığın etkilerini, yalnızlık karşıtı önlemlere rehberlik etmek için kullanılabilecek geniş bir çerçeve içinde anlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmanın ana odak noktası, varoluşsal rahatsızlık ve istemsiz bileşenler gibi yalnızlık teorisinin unsurlarıdır. Sosyal sermayenin dayanıklılık durumu ve/veya yalnızlığın kişinin istihdamı ile bağlantılı sosyal ağlar tarafından nasıl sıradanlaştırıldığını belirlemek için çalışma, salgının savunmasız insanları nasıl etkilediğini incelemektedir. Yalnızlığa maruz kalma ve sosyoekonomik statüye dayalı destek eksikliğindeki eşitsizlikleri ele alan etkili politikalar geliştirmenin önemini vurgulamaktadır. Çalışma, sınırlı COVID-19 öncesi veriler de dahil olmak üzere önceki çalışmalardaki metodolojik sorunları ele almaktadır. Bu çalışmanın Avrupa genelinde sosyal izolasyon ve yalnızlık üzerine yaptığı karşılaştırmalı araştırma, önemli coğrafi farklılıkları ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuçlar, yalnızlığın üretkenlik ve ruh sağlığı üzerindeki yaygın etkileriyle başa çıkmak için her şeyi kapsayan yaklaşımların gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

Yalnızlık, Sosyal İzolasyon, COVID-19

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