title: A narrative review of the theoretical foundations of loneliness.
abstract: Loneliness has been found to relate to a wide range of harmful health outcomes. The adverse effects of loneliness upon people's lives emphasise the importance of understanding its nature and process. A number of theoretical and conceptual foundations have been proposed by scholars and are discussed and reflected upon in this article. The discussion and understanding of loneliness theoretical foundations provide useful insights toward the interpretation of its occurrence.
authors.affiliation: PhD Student, at Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, England.
authors.forename: Vasiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tzouvara
authors.affiliation: Chris Papadopoulos, Senior Lecturer, at Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, England.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
authors.affiliation: Professor of Diversity in Public Health and Director, at Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, England.
authors.forename: Gurch
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Randhawa
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Cognitive therapy; Existentialism; Loneliness; Psychodynamic analysis; Social support