People who report feeling lonely have twice as likely to experience physical pain compared to those who do not perceive themselves as such. Furthermore, loneliness is associated with health problems almost double and at risk greater than 25.8% of psychological distress.
The mind as the key to pain
The doctors lead the study Lucia Macchia And Anne-Kathrin Fettfrom the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at City St George’s. Analyzing the data of Gallup World Poll 2023-2024the researchers discovered that the psychological distress explains most of the link between loneliness and pain, representing over 60% of the association.
This is followed by physical health problems (18.9%) and social or demographic factors, such as education level or support network (14%). «Our research shows a strong association between loneliness and physical pain», clarifies Dr. Macchia, «explained to a large extent by psychological distress and, to a lesser extent, by physical health and socio-economic disadvantage. It is important to underline that these associations vary from country to country, depending on cultural factors.”
It is also a question of living conditions
The study highlights that loneliness is intertwined with economic and employment inequalities. Lonely people more often have a elementary education level, lower incomes and work part-time or precariousdespite wanting stable employment. This interweaving of social, economic and psychological fragility contributes to making loneliness a complex and difficult condition to deal with. Yet its consequences are real: more physical pain, more emotional distress, and more fragile overall health.
Women and the elderly: the most affected
Research shows significant differences by gender and age. The women they result more vulnerable, while the elderly people I’m the more prone to experience loneliness and pain. However, the relationship between loneliness and physical suffering remains constant in all age groups.
The female condition, often linked to caring roles, isolation or economic inequality, could amplify the perception of pain – but further investigations are needed to understand the precise causes.
Global loneliness: a sobering fact
22.7% of those interviewed said they felt “very lonely” the day before the survey. A fact that confirms how much the loneliness is now a global emergencywith direct effects on people’s well-being.
Another result is also interesting: many lonely people still say they have friends or relatives they can count on. This suggests that loneliness it doesn’t just depend on the quantity of relationshipsbut rather from sense of emotional connection with others.
The weight of cultural differences
The differences between countries are notable. In some poor regions, loneliness is accompanied by higher levels of pain and distress. However, the correlations they do not follow a clear economic pattern: Cultural norms, social expectations, and family structures can profoundly influence how people experience and report their loneliness.
A challenge for public health
The authors of the study emphasize that loneliness must be recognized as one global public health issue. Interventions, they explain, should not be limited to promoting social relationships, but also address psychological and economic roots of the condition. Only by acting on multiple fronts – mental health, social support, and economic equality – can the impact of loneliness on daily life be reduced.
A “multifaceted” condition that requires new solutions
The study concludes by defining loneliness as a condition “potentially painful and multifaceted”, which affects people of all ages and continents. The authors hope further cross-cultural and longitudinal research to build more effective strategies that respect cultural differences.