Loneliness: quick facts
Loneliness is the distressing feeling that arises from a gap between the social connection a person wants and what they actually have. It is subjective: a person can feel lonely in a crowd or content while alone, so…
Category
Moods & related states
Valence
Negative
Emotion family / blend
Sadness
Typical triggers
A gap between desired and actual social connection
How it's expressed
Withdrawal, low mood, longing for connection
Sources: American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley — Emotions. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.