The trajectory of loneliness in response to COVID-19

Abstract

Social distancing and "stay-at-home" orders are essential to contain the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), but there is concern that these measures will increase feelings of loneliness, particularly in vulnerable groups. The present study examined change in loneliness in response to the social restriction measures taken to control the coronavirus spread. A nationwide sample of American adults (N = 1,545; 45% women; ages 18 to 98, M = 53.68, SD = 15.63) was assessed on three occasions: in late January/early February 2020 (before the outbreak), in late March (during the President's initial "15 Days to Slow the Spread" campaign), and in late April (during the "stay-at-home" policies of most states). Contrary to expectations, there were no significant mean-level changes in loneliness across the three assessments (d = .04, p > .05). In fact, respondents perceived increased support from others over the follow-up period (d = .19, p < .01). Older adults reported less loneliness overall compared to younger age groups but had an increase in loneliness during the acute phase of the outbreak (d = .14, p < .05). Their loneliness, however, leveled off after the issuance of stay-at-home orders. Individuals living alone and those with at least one chronic condition reported feeling lonelier at baseline but did not increase in loneliness during the implementation of social distancing measures. Despite some detrimental impact on vulnerable individuals, in the present sample, there was no large increase in loneliness but remarkable resilience in response to COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Figure 1. Survey Timeline

Note. Most states and local governments issued varying degrees of ‘stay-at-home’ or ‘shelter-in-place’ orders at the end of March becoming effective at the beginning of April. Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota did not enact stay-at home orders but enacted other type of policies (e.g., closing schools).

Figure 2. Differences in Loneliness and Perceived Support across Waves

Note. N = 2,088 participants had valid data at Wave 1 and Wave 2; N = 1,545 had valid data across all three waves. Means (and standard deviations) are reported for each measure. Effect sizes (Cohen’s ds) were computed for significant differences across waves (all ps were < .01); ns = non-significant difference.