Investigating relationships between loneliness, social isolation and health

This new research led by the University of Bristol (opens new window), Nesta (opens new window) and Amsterdam UMC (opens new window) found that people who feel lonely are much more likely to experience poorer mental health, lower well-being and worse general health, including a higher likelihood of living with multiple health conditions. Published in Nature Communications, the study also found that social isolation is linked to lower well-being.

The study, in association with the universities of Oxford and Manchester, combined evidence from three different research methods, including observational analysis, sibling comparisons, and Mendelian randomisation, a genetics-based approach, to build a clearer understanding of these relationships.

The research team found that loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer mental health and reduced wellbeing, with loneliness also associated with worse general health. While the study found no clear evidence of effects on specific physical health conditions, these potential impacts cannot be ruled out.

The findings suggest that loneliness, and potentially social isolation, remain important public health issues, particularly because of their links with mental health, wellbeing and overall health.