Social connection or loneliness? How we frame the issue may significantly impact public policy.

Increasing public concerns about loneliness have led to a surge in scientific research, advocacy, and governmental attention. National strategies are being considered, legislation is introduced, and some countries have even appointed political positions dedicated to addressing loneliness. The evidence points to several markers of degree of social connection, all independently predicting health. Loneliness is among these predictors of health outcomes but not the strongest. Thus, the evidence does not support prioritizing an overly narrow approach to public health policy, national measurement, clinical assessments, or solutions. Taking a more holistic multifactorial approach to framing this public health issue by prioritizing social connection may increase the likelihood of success of public health approaches. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).