Loneliness, when and how does it become harmful?

People of all ages, across the world may experience loneliness. Given its universal, high prevalence and the many detrimental consequences it may bring about, loneliness is nowadays viewed as a major public health issue (for example by the WHO). Although loneliness is very problematic for some individuals with a far-reaching impact on their mental and physical health, for most people it is a transient experience without long-lasting negative consequences. In fact, loneliness serves an important adaptive function.

To better tailor and develop effective intervention programs and policies, it is crucial to identify when and for whom loneliness (mostly) serves its adaptive function and when and for whom loneliness becomes harmful, seriously impacting their current and future lives. This workshop brings together loneliness experts from different disciplines, together with practitioners, policy-makers, and people with lived experiences to gain crucial knowledge and build tangible tools on when and how loneliness becomes harmful.