The subjectivity of loneliness and coping with it.

Previous research, upon which the present study is based, identified five clearly distinguished factors which comprise the loneliness experience: Emotional distress, Social inadequacy and alienation, Growth and discovery, Interpersonal isolation, and Self alienation. Further research indicated that the various coping strategies could be grouped into six factors, namely, Reflection and acceptance, Self-development and understanding. Social support network, Distancing and denial, Religion and faith, and Increased activity. The present study examined which were the most beneficial coping strategies, depending on the qualitative experience of lonely persons. The following coping strategies were identified as best suited to cope with and reduce the pain of loneliness. Acceptance and reflection, Social interaction, and Increased activity. Distancing from loneliness and attempts to ignore and deny it are the least effective and can, at best, be helpful on a temporary basis only.