This report by the Campaign to End Loneliness looks at how psychological approaches can help tackle loneliness. Due to lockdown, more people than ever before are reporting feelings of loneliness. The report is focused on older people but has lessons for all adults. It gathers the current research and evidence available to us about what we can learn from psychology, as well as making policy recommendations for how this learning can be applied and help the millions of lonely people across the UK.
What works?
There are a number of psychological approaches that show promise for easing loneliness in later life. The three with the most relevant research evidence are cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and positive psychology.