Loneliness research and interventions: a review of the literature

The paper describes and reviews concepts and studies in the area of social relations and health, with special emphasis on loneliness. Related concepts such as social networks and social support are also considered. The fundamental distinction between the objective manifestation of being alone and the subjective manifestation of experiencing loneliness is emphasized. The second part of the paper consists of a description of various network interventions followed by an overview and discussion of loneliness interventions.