Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection

Monday, December 07, 2009

John T. Cacioppo Ph.D.

Director, Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience
University of Chicago

Social species such as ours do not fare well when forced to live solitary lives, and the impact of loneliness on individuals can be surprisingly damaging. Residents of transient communities and isolated individuals lack rich attachments, meaningful connections and enriching encounters, which can be deleterious on a physiological as well as psychological level.