Loneliness in Context: The Role of Social Support, Mental Health, and Lifestyle

Publication Date

2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Sciences and Neurosciences, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Adam Smiley

Metadata/Fulltext

Metadata ONLY

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

In recent years, the loneliness epidemic has become increasingly recognized as a large-scale social and public health issue. Research has revealed that loneliness is associated with many adverse effects such as poorer mental health, reduced quality of life, and increased risk for depression and anxiety (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010). With this, relationships and perceived social support are vital protective factors in preventing loneliness. For example, individuals with strong social networks often report lower loneliness levels (Victor et al., 2005). Additionally, recent research suggests that social media use and reduced social interactions may influence loneliness, especially in young adult cohorts (Gorman et al., 2025). Given that loneliness can affect psychological wellbeing and health, it is important to understand what factors are associated with and can predict loneliness in the general population.

The goal of this study is to examine how social connection and lifestyle choices relate to loneliness among adults in the United States using data from the 2021 State of American Friendship: Change, Challenge, and Loss Study (N=2,019). It is hypothesized that lower social support (as measured by satisfaction with friends, time spent with friends, and relationship status), poor mental health (anxiety and depression), and certain lifestyle choices (sleep factors and religious identification) will be associated with higher loneliness levels. Data will be analyzed, and the results will be presented at SPARK.

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