Loneliness and health: a social work perspective

Abstract

Loneliness has been identified as a global contemporary public health issue due to its impact on large numbers of people and the serious effects it has on health. Social support, social networks and human bonds are fundamental to the wellbeing of individuals, communities and society as a whole. We have recently witnessed the relationships that people need to feel good becoming weaker and more scarce, while paradoxically experiencing high levels of social connection thanks to technology. This issue affects us transversally, has a multifactorial origin and concerns different areas of everyday life.

It is necessary to understand the issue, analyse its causes and determine its effects so as to imagine and propose relevant and effective interventions. What theoretical and practical tools can be used as a basis? What contribution can social work make to help address this issue? This article presents the development of a general theoretical framework on the issue of loneliness and analyses different perspectives and contributions that can help us to respond through professional practice.