acknowledge that loneliness is not

acknowledge that loneliness is not synonymous with social isolation but is a social pain that functions to motivate the formation and renewal of meaningful social relationships. When feelings of loneliness fail to accomplish their adaptive purpose, chronic loneliness may ensue. Chronic loneliness tends to be self-perpetuating through confirmatory biases that alter cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Given the importance of social connection to people’s health and well-being, it is important that we solve the puzzle of how to help the chronically lonely connect with others in meaningful and satisfying ways. References 1. Hobbes T. Leviathan, or the Matter, Forme, and Power of a Commonwealth, Ecclesiasticall and Civil. In: http://www.earlymoderntexts.co m/f-hobbes.html, 1651. Z. Berkman LF, Syme SL. Social networks, host resistance and mortality: A nine year follow-up study of Alameda County residents. American Journal of Epidemiology 1979;109:186- 204. 3. House JS, Landis KR, Umberson D. Social relationships and health. Science 1988;241:540-5. 4. Berkman LF, Glass T. Social integration, social networks, social support, and health. In: Berkman LF, Kawachi I, eds. Social Epidemiology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000: 137-73. 10. 11. 12. Page | 136 Cacioppo JT, Patrick W. Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2008. Bunyan J. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1986. Boomsma DI, Willemsen G, Dolan CV, Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. Genetic and environmental contributions to loneliness in adults: The Netherlands Twin Register Study. Behavioral Genetics 2005;35(6):745-52. Steffick DE. Documentation on affective functioning measures in the Health and Retirement Study. Ann Arbor: Survey Research Center, University of Michigan; 2000. Report No.: DR-005. McPherson M, Smith-Lovin L, Brashears ME. Social isolation in America: Changes in core discussion networks over two decades. American Sociological Review 2006;71(June):353-75. Administration on Aging. A statistical profile of older Americans Aged 65+. In: Department of Health and Human Services, 2008. Rook KS. Promoting social bonds: Strategies for helping the lonely and socially isolated. American Psychologist 1984;39(12):1389-407. McWhirter BT. Loneliness: A review of current literature, with implications for counseling and HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_021382