Lonely? Mix method study of general and vulnerable populations to understand the link between loneliness and mental health

As social beings, humans have a fundamental need to belong. Social relationships and good social integration are therefore crucial for developing a sense of emotional fulfilment and life satisfaction. When the need for belonging is not met, we talk about social isolation and/or loneliness. Both concepts are now recognised as an important public health problem, as they are associated with various negative consequences for (mental) health, such as depression, low life satisfaction, high blood pressure, premature mortality and increased risk of suicidal behaviour. Despite the exceptional importance of both concepts from a public health perspective, many aspects are still unexplored. Among other things, research in this area is hampered by the lack of a uniform definition of the concept of loneliness and, consequently, the use of different approaches to measurement, which is reflected in the limited possibilities of comparing results. There are also differences in the experience of loneliness at different life periods, which is due to different factors that have a significant impact on individuals in a given period. The proposed project, therefore, aims to (i) explore the construct of loneliness in-depth, (ii) examine the negative impact of loneliness on individuals at different life periods using different research approaches, (iii) identify vulnerable groups within these life periods for whom loneliness is one of the most important risk factors for the development of mental health problems, (iv) and design high quality and culturally specific interventions. The project will comprise the following work packages: WP1 Project management: Work package 1 will provide organisational and administrative support for the implementation of the project activities. WP2 Work of the advisory committee: This work package refers to the work of an advisory committee composed of various experts, who work in a field related to the content of the project and engage with vulnerable groups of participants. WP3 In-depth review of literature and development of theoretical starting points: The work package serves to review new findings on our research problem and to adapt the study plan. WP4 Quantitative research: In this part of the study, we will use mixed-methods approaches by using a battery of questionnaires to explore participants' understanding of loneliness, and risk factors contributing to or associated with the experience of loneliness. Based on the findings, we will identify 1 to 2 particularly vulnerable groups of individuals among participants from each life period. WP5 Qualitative research: Through qualitative research, we will gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of loneliness of people from vulnerable groups (that we will identify in WP 4) through semi-structured interviews. These findings will serve as a starting point for intervention planning. WP6 Joint analysis and interpretation of results: We will summarise the findings in a joint interpretation. In this way, the data will be triangulated, leading us to a holistic view of the experience of loneliness at different stages of life. WP7 Preparation of guidelines, materials or pilot interventions: Based on the findings of the qualitative and quantitative studies, we will work with the advisory committee to prepare guidelines identifying the appropriate intervention methods to address the topic, other materials or pilot interventions to address loneliness among vulnerable groups. DS8 Dissemination: We will disseminate the findings to the scientific as well as the professional and general public. We will inform the scientific and professional public through the publication of scientific and professional articles and presentations at various congresses. The general public will be addressed through cooperation with media representatives and publications on our website zivziv.si.