A Critique of Existential Loneliness

Gallagher, Shaun

doi:10.1007/s11245-023-09896-4

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…There is some agreement regarding the fundamental dimensions of emotional and social loneliness [4], yet the existence of additional elements as part of the social loneliness dimension has also been suggested, such as the close connection between certain individuals and a wider social network [7]. However, an existential dimension has also been proposed [76]. In short, our results support a threedimensional construct of loneliness: social, emotional/ existential, and "awareness of psychosocial handicaps".…”

Section: Latent Factorssupporting

confidence: 65%

Predictive factors and risk and protection groups for loneliness in older adults: a population-based study

Carrasco,

Crespo,

García

et al. 2024

BMC Psychol

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Background Loneliness is considered a public health problem, particularly among older adults. Although risk factors for loneliness have been studied extensively, fewer studies have focused on the protected and risk groups that these factors configure. Our objective is to analyze the variables and latent factors that predict loneliness in older adults and that enable risk and protected groups to be configured. Methods We employed an epidemiological, cross-sectional survey that was carried out on a random sample of 2060 people over 65 years extracted from the census. A structured telephone interview was used to assess mental and physical health, habits, quality of life, and loneliness, applying the COOP-Wonca, Goldberg General Health (GHQ-12), and Barber Questionnaires. Results Predictors of loneliness were: mental health, living alone, quality of life, depressive symptoms, low educational level, and some deficiency situations such as having no one to turn to for help. The factors extracted (Factorial Analysis) were: a subjective experience of poor health, objective isolation, and psychological isolation. We established at risk and protected groups (“Decision Tree” procedure), and loneliness was referred to by 73.2% of the people living alone and with poor mental health and quality of life (risk group). By contrast, only 0.8% of people living with others, with good mental health and good quality of life felt loneliness (protected group). Conclusion In a well-developed city, subjective and objective factors are associated with loneliness. These factors, especially those associated with at risk or protected groups, must be considered to develop strategies that address loneliness.

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Section: Latent Factorssupporting

confidence: 65%

Predictive factors and risk and protection groups for loneliness in older adults: a population-based study

Carrasco,

Crespo,

García

et al. 2024

BMC Psychol

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“…EL is also associated with negative feelings, such as hopelessness and meaninglessness (Bolmsjö, Tengland, and Rämgård 2019;Gallagher 2023;Sjöberg et al 2019). Meaning is considered an essential part of life that gives motivation to strive forward as well as the capacity to maintain life's existing meaning (Frankl 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Voices Unheard: A Reflective Lifeworld Research Study of Older Arabic‐Speaking Female Migrants and Their Experience of Existential Loneliness

Olofsson,

Sjögren‐Forss,

Bramhagen

et al. 2024

Int J Older People Nursing

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IntroductionExistential loneliness (EL) is an unavoidable, deeper sense of loneliness. EL has been described as disconnection from life and the universe, experienced even in the presence of family and friends. Meaninglessness, loss of health and significant others seem to trigger older persons EL. Older Arabic‐speaking women are a large migrant group in Sweden and there is a lack in knowledge about their experience of EL. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the phenomenon of EL as experienced by older Arabic‐speaking female migrants.MethodsThis study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Ten older migrated Arabic‐speaking women were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling.ResultsThis study shows that EL is experienced when there is a lack of attachment to place and people. EL is experienced more distinctively in the beginning of the migration process. It was difficult sharing feelings of EL with anyone. Feelings of meaninglessness occurred when entering a new lifeworld and triggered EL. EL was however attenuated when being able to practise their religion.ConclusionLack of attachment to place and people as well as feelings of meaninglessness brought existential loneliness to the fore for the older Arabic‐speaking female migrants. There was a collision of lifeworlds not at least by the fact moving as a Muslim woman to one of the most secular countries in the world. Practising their religion attenuated their EL. To promote better health for this group of women, it is of importance to be aware of EL and its mode of expression.Implications for PracticeIt is crucial to let the voice of older Arabic‐speaking female migrants be heard and to be aware of their experience of EL and its mode of expression in order to promote better health. Further, educational training for nursing professionals and nursing students needs to be provided to develop skills how to be aware of and address EL.

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A Biosemiotic Perspective on the Human Condition and the Environmental Crisis

Tønnessen

2024

Sophia Studies in Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Traditions and Cultures

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A Critique of Existential Loneliness

Cited by 3 publications

References 41 publications

Predictive factors and risk and protection groups for loneliness in older adults: a population-based study

Predictive factors and risk and protection groups for loneliness in older adults: a population-based study

Voices Unheard: A Reflective Lifeworld Research Study of Older Arabic‐Speaking Female Migrants and Their Experience of Existential Loneliness

A Biosemiotic Perspective on the Human Condition and the Environmental Crisis

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