Loneliness is an individual experience shaped by the relationship standards of the individual that guide the achievement of social connectedness and initiates loneliness. In addition to individual factors, prevailing social values and norms also influence this process. We discuss the contrast between individualistic and collectivistic countries, a frequently used dichotomy of cultures to explain differences in loneliness prevalence. In this chapter, we extend this analytical frame by introducing two value dimensions; the dimension of togetherness versus solitude, and autonomy versus submission to integration in closed groups. Combining the value dimensions with associated sanctioning norms leads to three paths of influence towards loneliness. For each path supporting evidence from research is presented.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Unravelling the Socio-cultural Influence on Loneliness

  • Theo G. van Tilburg

摘要

Loneliness is an individual experience shaped by the relationship standards of the individual that guide the achievement of social connectedness and initiates loneliness. In addition to individual factors, prevailing social values and norms also influence this process. We discuss the contrast between individualistic and collectivistic countries, a frequently used dichotomy of cultures to explain differences in loneliness prevalence. In this chapter, we extend this analytical frame by introducing two value dimensions; the dimension of togetherness versus solitude, and autonomy versus submission to integration in closed groups. Combining the value dimensions with associated sanctioning norms leads to three paths of influence towards loneliness. For each path supporting evidence from research is presented.