The silent surge of a fresh ailment, yet shrouded in secrecy and silence
In recent years, chronic loneliness has emerged as a significant issue in German society, with more than ten percent of the population suffering from this condition, according to the federal-funded Competence Network Loneliness. Studies suggest that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being overweight, and is associated with an increased risk of heart and circulatory diseases.
The FDP faction has accused the state government of not recognizing the severity of the loneliness issue and has demanded a loneliness summit to better connect actors from society, science, politics, and municipalities. Niko Reith, social policy spokesman for the FDP faction, highlights that loneliness affects more and more people and has impacts on health, economic performance, social cohesion, and democracy.
Linda Maurer, a researcher studying the topic of loneliness at the University of Klagenfurt, and Annette Noller, chairperson of the Diakonisches Werk Wuerttemberg, support the federal government's initiative to address the mental health and loneliness of young people. However, Noller criticizes announced cuts in the social sector, which could hinder efforts to combat loneliness.
The coalition agreement of the federal government includes a "Strategy of the Federal Government against Loneliness," but concrete policy frameworks specifically targeting loneliness in young people are less detailed or prominent in the recent literature and policy reports examined. The Ministry of Social Affairs in Stuttgart identifies people with chronic illnesses, the elderly, single parents, people with poverty experience, migration background or refugee experience, and children and young people as particularly at risk of loneliness.
The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs is pursuing a variety of projects for families, children and young people or people at risk of poverty. However, research suggests that effective interventions emphasize engagement and positive social connections rather than only emotional regulation. Interventions focusing on increasing positive social activities and emotional meaningfulness, such as tele-behavioural activation, have been shown to be more effective in reducing loneliness.
Lessons from other countries and intervention research support expanding access, low-threshold services, and digital approaches tailored to young people's needs. For instance, web-based parent and youth interventions can improve health outcomes generally, suggesting that digital and remote approaches could play a role in Germany's future strategies. More robust, multidimensional assessments and targeted programs adapted to young people’s needs remain a critical gap.
Social Minister Manne Lucha (Greens) emphasizes the importance of providing diverse opportunities for encounters, addressing the issue in all areas, and working towards a caring community. Birgit Schaer, chairperson of the Caritas association of the Archdiocese of Freiburg, explains that loneliness is more prevalent in society than previously thought. Lonely people often experience loneliness as a subtle, stressful factor that they are ashamed to discuss due to societal taboos.
Empirical studies suggest a link between loneliness and anti-democratic attitudes, with lonely people being less motivated to participate in elections, tending towards authoritarian attitudes, and feeling socially threatened. Addressing chronic loneliness among young people in Germany is a complex task, but one that is crucial for the health and wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole. Further research and policy development are needed to fully address this growing challenge.
- In light of the connection between chronic loneliness and significantly harmful health issues, such as heart diseases and poor mental health, it's essential to involve representatives from various fields, including science, in discussions aimed at addressing loneliness.
- Acknowledging the impact of loneliness on numerous aspects of life, such as health, economic performance, and social cohesion, it's necessary to integrate fitness and exercise, mental health, and nutrition into strategies aimed at reducing loneliness.
- As loneliness among young people is associated with potential anti-democratic attitudes and decreased voter motivation, it's crucial that health-and-wellness initiatives in this demographic also focus on civic engagement and political participation.
