Josep Lluís Conde Sala
Researcher in the Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology
The study is very thorough. Two aspects of the study are relevant:
- The size of the sample (458,146 subjects) and
- the fact that the authors analysed, both separately and jointly, the functional effects (feeling of loneliness) and structural effects (living alone and frequency of activities and visits) on general mortality and cardiovascular disease.
The study provides a thorough analysis of all functional and structural factors. The conclusions are not new, although they are more detailed. Those who live alone and have fewer family visits have a higher risk of general mortality and cardiovascular disease.
In Spain, the effect of structural loneliness (living alone) could be greater, since in southern Europe societies are more familial (support from family) and living alone is less frequent but the negative effects are greater.
In every study there are limitations, but in this one it does not seem that the limitations are relevant. The negative effects of feelings of loneliness and isolation have already been documented. Support for people who live alone and are socially isolated would require greater monitoring of their health by health and social institutions.