This is Volume II of the From Loneliness to Belonging collection. Articles from the first edition are available to read and download here.

Human connection and social belonging are fundamental aspects of psychological and sociological research, as they play a pivotal role in individual well-being and survival. Increasingly, loneliness has captured attention across disciplines, with mounting evidence pointing to its detrimental effects on health, cognitive development, emotional functioning, and overall quality of life. From early childhood dependency on caregivers to the evolutionary advantage of group affiliation, we see that belonging is interwoven with our chances of survival and prosperity. Nevertheless, when individuals experience social isolation or alienation, the resultant loneliness serves as an adaptive signal motivating reconnection with others. Despite its protective intent, chronic loneliness can be profoundly damaging, contributing to a range of physical and emotional ailments, exacerbating existing health conditions, and even increasing mortality risk. The rise of loneliness as a modern epidemic, as it is referred to, highlighted by societal shifts and technological advancements, underscores the urgency of addressing these intersecting issues in contemporary society.

The aim of this Research Topic is to critically examine both the need for belonging and the lived experience of loneliness when this need is unmet. We seek to unravel the dynamic processes underpinning belonging and isolation, the contexts in which loneliness becomes most acute, and the mechanisms, psychological, social, and cultural, that facilitate the transition from feeling disconnected to achieving meaningful social integration. Key objectives include exploring the protective and adverse functions of loneliness, its impact across different life stages and circumstances, and the strategies individuals and communities deploy to reduce isolation and foster belonging. By addressing these aspects, we hope to generate actionable insights that inform supportive interventions and promote holistic well-being.

This Research Topic encompasses a broad interdisciplinary inquiry into loneliness and belonging, while focusing on their implications for health, emotional life, and social relationships. We welcome studies addressing diverse populations and environments, including but not limited to clinical settings, intimate relationships, end-of-life contexts, and communities.

Submissions may cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Loneliness in intimate relations
• The impact of belonging on health and illness
• Experiences of loneliness in clinical settings (hospitalization and mental institutions)
• Loneliness in death and dying
• Strategies and interventions for coping with loneliness

We encourage contributions from psychologists, social workers, sociologists, medicine and philosophy, and related disciplines, and particularly welcome review articles that synthesize current knowledge and propose new directions for research and practice.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Loneliness in Everyday Life: The Effects of Alienation