The neurobiology of loneliness: An updated evidence synthesis systematic review
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Loneliness is a subjective experience related to an individual's social relationships and is often distressing. Due to the nature of loneliness, it is often linked to other complex social constructs such as social isolation and disconnection. Loneliness is a growing concern across the globe, with one in five people reporting experiencing the phenomenon. Evidence of these experiences are associated with a variety of physical and psychological health risks. Whilst there is more research emerging in the field and an existing systematic review which studies the neurobiology of loneliness, there has not been an updated synthesis of recent findings. Whilst current findings identify and link loneliness to specific brain regions and networks the methodological gaps discovered in the review offer another dimension of research alongside updating the current knowledge synthesis. This quantitative, inductive systematic review synthesises research with a focus on neurobiology, neurophysiology, neural mechanisms and correlates of loneliness across the human life span and different cohorts. The review also includes exploration and considers of methodological practices in the field. Supporting future mechanist research.
Source: OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7134863237