Loneliness is about more than the need to belong

“Loneliness has always been explained as a deficit in the satisfaction of one’s communion or relational needs,” Ybarra says. “But in addition to communion needs, individuals also need agency, personal control and choice, and not meeting this need should also affect experienced loneliness.” What should people do if they believe someone in their social circle seems lonely? Try to be warm and supportive to that individual, but in a way that goes beyond hugs. Help them understand they have some control and choice in their lives, Ybarra says. “That is, support that propels people and also takes into account their need to be their own person,” he says. This is not the same as pushing them away to be self-sufficient, but a blend of being warm plus acknowledging their individual needs, wishes, and potential, he added. “It’s also letting them know they have a place to come back to when they get a little bruised by life,” Ybarra says. Source: Loneliness is about more than the need to belong – Futurity