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The effect of loneliness on depression: A meta-analysis

Author

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  • Evren Erzen
  • Özkan Çikrikci

Abstract

Background: Negative emotions, which have a common, chronic and recurrent structure, play a vital role in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. In this study, loneliness as a negative emotion was considered to be a predisposing factor in depression. Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the effect of loneliness on depression. Method: Initially, a literature scan was performed and all related literature was pooled together ( n  = 531). Based on scales determined by the researchers, it was decided to include 88 studies in the analysis. This study obtained a sampling group of 40,068 individuals. Results: The results of using a random effects model for analysis showed that loneliness had a moderately significant effect on depression. None of the variables of study sampling group, type of publication and publication year were found to be moderator variables. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, loneliness may be said to be a significant variable affecting depression. The findings obtained are discussed in light of the literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Evren Erzen & Özkan Çikrikci, 2018. "The effect of loneliness on depression: A meta-analysis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 64(5), pages 427-435, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:64:y:2018:i:5:p:427-435
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764018776349
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Jorunn Drageset & Birgitte Espehaug & Marit Kirkevold, 2012. "The impact of depression and sense of coherence on emotional and social loneliness among nursing home residents without cognitive impairment – a questionnaire survey," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(7‐8), pages 965-974, April.
    3. Waytz, Adam & Chou, Eileen Y. & Magee, Joe C. & Galinsky, Adam D., 2015. "Not so lonely at the top: The relationship between power and loneliness," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 69-78.
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