An international group of researchers has found that loneliness is dangerous not only for mental health but also for physical health. According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the feeling of isolation is directly linked to increased physical pain and a decline in overall well-being.
Researchers analyzed data from over 250,000 people from 139 countries and found that:
- People who regularly experience loneliness are twice as likely to complain to doctors about pain;
- Their likelihood of health problems is 80% higher;
- The risk of psychological distress increases by approximately 26%.
Experts note that in 60% of cases, the connection between loneliness and pain is explained by emotional stress, while about 19% is attributed to chronic illnesses. The remaining 14% is linked by researchers to social factors, such as a lack of support from loved ones.
"These results show that loneliness should be viewed not only as an emotional state but also as a factor that directly affects a person's physical health," the authors of the study emphasized.
Interestingly, the effect was more pronounced in women than in men, although it was nearly the same across different age groups. Researchers explain the differences between countries by cultural characteristics and levels of social integration.
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