Loneliness across phylogeny and a call for comparative studies and animal models.
Title | Loneliness across phylogeny and a call for comparative studies and animal models. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S, Cole SW, Capitanio JP, Goossens L, Boomsma DI |
Journal | Perspect Psychol Sci |
Volume | 10 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 202-12 |
Date Published | 2015 Mar |
ISSN | 1745-6924 |
Keywords | Animals, Humans, Loneliness |
Abstract | Loneliness typically refers to the feelings of distress and dysphoria resulting from a discrepancy between a person's desired and achieved levels of social relations, and there is now considerable evidence that loneliness is a risk factor for poor psychological and physical health. Loneliness has traditionally been conceptualized as a uniquely human phenomenon. However, over millions of years of evolution, efficient and manifold neural, hormonal, and molecular mechanisms have evolved for promoting companionship and mutual protection/assistance and for organizing adaptive responses when there is a significant discrepancy between the preferred and realized levels of social connection. We review evidence suggesting that loneliness is not a uniquely human phenomenon, but, instead, as a scientific construct, it represents a generally adaptive predisposition that can be found across phylogeny. Central to this argument is the premise that the brain is the key organ of social connections and processes. Comparative studies and animal models, particularly when integrated with human studies, have much to contribute to the understanding of loneliness and its underlying principles, mechanisms, consequences, and potential treatments. |
DOI | 10.1177/1745691614564876 |
Alternate Journal | Perspect Psychol Sci |
PubMed ID | 25910390 |
Grant List | R37 AG033590 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States R37AG033590 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States |