![]() Using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy - a therapeutic approach that involves recognizing distorted thought patterns and replacing them with more supportive, helpful thoughts and behaviors - can help disrupt the “regulatory loop” of loneliness that gets in the way of social connection. In fact, studies show interventions that address maladaptive thought patterns are among the most effective when it comes to reducing loneliness. ![]() The good news is that addressing unhelpful thinking around social events and behaviors has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness, both in the short term and over time. Loneliness researchers call this a “ regulatory loop,” which, over time, negatively impacts social connections and overall health and well-being. This, in turn, becomes something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, as we inadvertently act in ways that lead to negative social exchanges, thus confirming our negative expectations.įor example, we may have a pessimistic attitude about the social event we’re about to attend - “I never have any fun at these things” - which gives us a sour perspective that makes us decide not to go, thereby erasing the chance for social connection. We become more likely to see social events as threatening and unappealing, develop negative expectations about social encounters and tend to remember more negative social interactions. When we feel lonely, the world looks like a less friendly place. This lonely feeling can affect our thinking about social engagements in maladaptive ways, researchers say. “It’s the distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or unmet need between an individual’s preferred and actual experience,” Surgeon General Dr. Loneliness is a subjective, internal feeling. While there may be many barriers to social connection - perhaps we live far away from loved ones, experience health issues that prevent getting out as much as we might like or have supplanted socializing with social media - one of the biggest obstacles is actually 100% within our grasp to change: our thinking. ![]() Loneliness doesn’t just feel bad it’s bad for our physical and mental health - associated with greater risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. Surgeon General issued an advisory in May 2023 to call attention to the problem. ![]() Loneliness is such an urgent public health concern that the U.S. At least half of all adults in the United States report feeling lonely. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the world’s longest studies of adult life, finds that satisfying relationships are key to happiness, health and longevity.Īs a society, however, we’re going in the opposite direction. It’s worth overcoming our feelings of awkwardness to connect with others because social connection is critical to human well-being. How exactly do we make small talk again? What do you say to someone at a work or social event who you don’t really know or haven’t seen in a long time? And should we even bother calling that friend we haven’t talked to in three years? After the physical distancing, constant Zoom meetings and screen-centric lifestyles we have gotten accustomed to during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us can use a thought tune-up for socializing in real life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |