Science into Practice: Effective Solutions for Social Isolation and Loneliness
Keywords
social isolation, loneliness, solutions, program design, interventions, relationships
Abstract
Research confirms the adverse health effects of social isolation and loneliness, with increasing focus on finding effective solutions. This article describes themes that can inform program and intervention design: multiple underlying causal factors may require a tailored approach; the time course of relationships and disease development versus length of interventions; the protective effects of relationships based on naturally occurring or existing close relationships; not all relationships are positive, and negativity in relationships is associated with greater risk. If ignored, these themes could lead to reduced effectiveness or harm. The article also outlines key components to evaluating interventions.
Original Publication Citation
Holt-Lunstad, J., Layton, R., Barton, B., & Smith, T. B. (2020). Science into practice: Effective solutions for social isolation and loneliness. Generations, Fall, 2020. https://generations.asaging.org/solutions-social-isolation-and-loneliness
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Smith, Timothy; Holt-Lunstad, Julianne; Layton, Ryan; and Barton, Bonnie, "Science into Practice: Effective Solutions for Social Isolation and Loneliness" (2020). Faculty Publications. 7515.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/7515
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2020
Publisher
Genereation
Language
English
College
David O. McKay School of Education
Department
Counseling Psychology and Special Education
Copyright Status
Copyright © 2023 Genereation
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