Loneliness in Treatment-Seeking Substance-Dependent Populations: Validation of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults–Short Version

Abstract

Objectives: Objectives: Loneliness is a distressing emotional experience that is likely to be prevalent among people accessing treatment for substance dependence problems. The first aim of the current study was to report on the validity of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults-Short Version (SELSA-S), a multidimensional measure of loneliness, for use in substance-dependent treatment populations. In order to further the understanding of loneliness among this population, loneliness was examined in relation to demographic, physical, and mental health variables. Methods: Methods: Participants were attending Australian residential substance dependence treatment services provided by two nongovernmental organizations (The Salvation Army and We Help Ourselves). Participants completed cross-sectional surveys (N = 316) consisting of measures of demographics, substance use, loneliness, and physical and mental health. Results: Results: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed high factor loadings and a moderate degree of concurrent and discriminant validity and internal consistency for the SELSA-S; however, model fit indices did not meet prespecified cutoff criteria. Loneliness was deemed to be a serious problem for 69% of respondents, and 79% reported feeling lonely at least once per month. Conclusions: Conclusions: Findings of this study suggest the need for further research into the validity of the SELSA-S for use with substance-dependent populations. In addition, it may be beneficial to test a range of loneliness measures in order to determine whether other measures of loneliness may be more favorable for use across this population.

Do we all experience loneliness the same way? Lessons from a pilot study measuring loneliness among people with lived experience of homelessness

“…The SELSA-S has been used among samples with serious mental illness (Sheridan et al, 2015) and substance dependence (Ingram et al, 2018), all characteristics which are prevalent among people experiencing homelessness (Teesson et al, 2000(Teesson et al, , 2004. As such, the SELSA-S was chosen as being the most appropriate loneliness scale for people experiencing homelessness because it is briefer, multifactorial and more suitable for people with cognitive impairment.…”

The Effect of Music Therapy on Sense of Loneliness and Life Expectancy in Methamphetamine-Addicted Individuals Attempting to Quit

“…All people trying to treat the addiction face a sense of loneliness. This painful emotional experience is exhibited with more severity in addicted individuals compared to the general population; they are weaker in terms of physical and mental health that is associated with this level of loneliness (12). Sense of loneliness can lead to depression (13), which is considered a major predictor variable for highrisk behaviors (14).…”

Reducing loneliness among people with substance use disorders: Feasibility of ‘Groups for Belonging’

“…Future research in this area should consider inclusion of a control condition and use of experimental methodology to ensure that any changes examined are not attributable to treatment as usual. While one study has found that those who had recently entered into residential treatment were lonelier than participants who had resided there longer [7], another study suggests that residing in a therapeutic community treatment setting might contribute to feelings of loneliness and social distancing [48]. Future researchers should consider the timing of providing loneliness interventions for this population (i.e.…”

“…There is also accumulating evidence to link loneliness to poorer mental health [4] and increased alcohol misuse and drug use [5,6]. A recent study found that people who report problems with substance use are seven times more likely to experience frequent loneliness than the general population [7]. In addition, this study found that people with substance use disorders (SUD) are five times more likely to deem loneliness as a concern when compared with the general population [7].…”

“…A recent study found that people who report problems with substance use are seven times more likely to experience frequent loneliness than the general population [7]. In addition, this study found that people with substance use disorders (SUD) are five times more likely to deem loneliness as a concern when compared with the general population [7]. Addressing loneliness may be helpful for recovery, as close social ties have important implications for recovery [8] and those who have greater abstinencespecific support tend to achieve better SUD treatment outcomes [9][10][11].…”