Emotional loneliness is the absence of a close intimate bond (partner, intimate friend, very close family member) in whom to deeply trust. Weiss (1973) distinguished it from social loneliness: both hurt, but for different reasons. Emotional is harder to resolve because it requires finding ONE specific person, not expanding the network.
Concept origin
Weiss RS. (1973). Loneliness: The experience of emotional and social isolation. MIT Press.
How it manifests
- ▸ Feeling of not having an intimate confidant
- ▸ Desire for a deep bond not satisfied by many acquaintances
- ▸ Diffuse sadness that does not improve with social activity
Therapeutic approach
Psychological intervention focuses on exploring attachment style (avoidant, anxious) and working on internal barriers to intimacy. Schema therapy and CBT focused on bonds are the approaches with the most evidence.
Related concepts
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