"To be alone is to be different. To be different is to be alone, and to be in the interior of this fatal circle is to be lonely. To be lonely is to have failed" (Susan Schultz, 1976) Loneliness carries a significant social stigma, as lack of friendship and social ties is socially undesirable, and social perceptions of lonely people are generally unfavourable. Lonely people often have very negative self-perceptions, believing that the inability to establish social ties is due to personal inadequacies or socially undesirable attributes. This book is divided into three parts. The first part reviews loneliness in general, describing what it is and how it affects us. The second part examines loneliness throughout the life cycle, analysing how it affects us in childhood, adulthood and as we age. The final part explores the connection between loneliness and other conditions such as arthritis, eating disorders and depression. Loneliness Updated offers the latest research on how loneliness can affect us in our daily lives, and how it is expressed as we travel through life from childhood to old age. It will be a highly interesting read for scholars, students and researchers of clinical psychology, particularly those interested in further exploring the effects and consequences of loneliness. This book was originally published as a special issue of The Journal of Psychology.

This is a volume on loneliness and what can be done to address its pain. While most books simply describe loneliness from one author’s point of view, this volume includes a comprehensive review of the literature and employs top researchers in the field discuss their own research findings, conclusions and clinical experience. It explores the relationship between loneliness and sexuality, loneliness and optimism, and parental loneliness during pregnancy and childbirth. It also addresses loneliness throughout the life cycle in children, adolescents, the elderly and disabled, leading to a variety of coping and therapeutic modalities aimed at helping those who suffer from loneliness in its various forms.

Rising life expectancies and declining social capital in the developed world mean that an increasing number of people are likely to experience some form of loneliness in their lifetimes than ever before. Narratives of Loneliness tackles some of the most pressing issues related to loneliness, showing that whilst recent policies on social integration, community building and volunteering may go some way to giving an illusion of not being alone, ultimately, they offer a rhetoric of togetherness that may be more seductive than ameliorative, as the condition and experience of loneliness is far more complex than commonly perceived. Containing thought-provoking contributions from researchers and commentators in several countries, this important work challenges us to rethink some of the burning issues of our day with specific reference to the causes and consequences of loneliness. Topics include the loneliness and mental health of military personnel, loneliness and social media, loneliness and sexuality, urban loneliness, and the experiences of transnational movement and adopted children. This book therefore makes an overdue multidisciplinary contribution to the emerging debate about how best to deal with loneliness in a world that combines greater and faster connectedness on the one hand with more intensely experienced isolation on the other. Since Émile Durkheim first claimed that the structure of society could have a strong bearing on psychological health in the 1890s, researchers in a range of disciplines have explored the probable impact of social context on mental health and wellbeing. Interdisciplinary in approach, Narratives of Loneliness will therefore be of great interest to academics, postgraduate students and researchers in social sciences, the arts, psychology and psychiatry.

This book explores adolescents' (10-18 years) experiences of silence, solitude, loneliness within the school setting. Although many studies explore social withdrawal and loneliness in adolescence, little is known about young people's experiences of solitude as a state of being alone. This book ties together cutting-edge research from developmental psychology and education on solitude in adolescence, and opens the way to a pedagogy of solitude and well-being. Sandra Leanne Bosacki explores concerns about how adolescents learn social and solitude skills and the extent to which such skills are harmful or helpful, including self-control and regulation, and self-compassion. The book further explores implications of solitude studies for practice and provides recommendations for future research and education. Holistic models of education are encouraged to promote a balance of social and solitude skills that combines social management with self-regulation and self-compassion.

This remarkably unique book takes the conceit of the loneliness room to show how everyday artistic practice opens up loneliness to new definitions and new understandings. Refusing to pathologise loneliness, the book draws on the creative submissions supplied by its participants to demonstrate that being lonely can mean different things to different people in differing contexts. Filled with the photographs, paintings, videos, songs, and writings of its participants, The loneliness room is a deeply moving account of loneliness today. https://sredmond4.wixsite.com/lonelyroom

Loneliness affects quality of life, life satisfaction, and well-being, and it is associated with various health problems, both somatic and mental. This book takes an international and interdisciplinary approach to the study of loneliness, identifying and bridging the gaps in academic research on loneliness, and creating new research pathways. Focusing in particular on loneliness in the context of new and emergent communication technologies, it provides a wide range of theoretical and methodological perspectives and will contribute to the re-evaluation of the way we understand and research this contemporary global phenomenon.

From texting and social networking sites to after-school activities, young people have many opportunities to interact with one another, and yet loneliness and isolation trouble today’s youth in increasing numbers. Many children and teens report feeling lonely even in the midst of family and friends, and childhood loneliness is a prime risk factor for adult alienation. Lonely Children and Adolescents: Self-Perceptions, Social Exclusion, and Hope illuminates seldom-explored experiences of social isolation among young people as well as the frustrations of the parents and teachers who wish to help. This groundbreaking book conceptualizes loneliness not simply as the absence of social connections, but as a continuum of developmental experience, often growing out of the conflict between opposite needs: to be like one’s peers yet be one’s unique self. The author draws clear distinctions between loneliness and solitude and identifies genetic and environmental characteristics (i.e., social, psychological, familial, and educational) that can be reinforced to help children become more resilient and less isolated. In addition, therapeutic approaches are described that challenge loneliness by encouraging empowerment, resilience, and hope, from proven strategies to promising tech-based interventions. Highlights include: • Developmental perspectives on loneliness. • Schools and the role of teachers, from preschool to high school. • Peer relations (e.g., cliques, bullies, exclusion, and popularity). • Lonely children, lonely parents: models of coping. • Loneliness in the virtual world. • Prevention and intervention strategies at home, at school, in therapy. Asking its readers to rethink many of their assumptions about social competence and isolation, this volume is essential reading for researchers and professionals in clinical child, school, developmental, and educational psychology; allied education disciplines; social work; and social and personality psychology.

"The Oxford Handbook of Geropsychology provides students and experienced clinicians and clinical researchers alike with a comprehensive and contemporary overview of developments in the field of geropsychology. Informed by an international perspective, the introductory section covers demographics, meta-analyses in geropsychology, social capital and gender, cognitive development, and ageing. Sections on assessment and formulation include chapters on interviewing older people, psychological assessment strategies, capacity and suicidal ideation, and understanding long term care environments. Psychological distress and their causes are reviewed with chapters focusing upon late-life depression and anxiety, psychosis, and personality disorders. In this section, neuropsychiatric approaches to working with older people and risk factors relating to cognitive health are reviewed. Intervention strategies covered include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and family therapy. Interprofessional teamwork and aspects of work with persons with dementia (PwD), caregivers, and care staff, are also covered. Chapters on interventions address specific populations such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older persons, people with physical and psychological comorbidities, and those experiencing grief and bereavement. Finally, this Handbook explores new horizons, including positive ageing, exercise and health promotion, and the use of new media such as online and virtual reality interactive technologies in clinical research and practice with older adults." -- From the Amazon

How many of us are living up to our full, God-given potential? What's holding us back--and how can we overcome it? These are the questions Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson want us to ask--and answer--with the help of The New You. With energy and enthusiasm, the authors take a holistic view of health that encompasses the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental areas of our lives, giving us proven, systematic ways to dramatically improve each. Readers come away with specific strategies to - lose weight - get more sleep - lower stress - nurture better relationships - connect with God - and much more Anyone who wants to trade in the frustration of average living and less-than health for the hallmarks of the new life God promises will find The New You an effective personal guide for the journey. ***** "People are looking for the big miracle or the one secret solution or the one answer to solve all their problems. This exciting book focuses on small steps . . . many small steps . . . to transform your life."--Elmer L. Towns, cofounder and vice president, Liberty University "Are you tired, worn down, discouraged, and longing for a vibrant life--a new you? Then this book is the prescription you need. Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson have compiled a simple, yet comprehensive, list of biblical principles anchored in scientific fact that when applied energizes the tired, rejuvenates the worn down, and invigorates the discouraged. Because of God's design for life, if you do what this book teaches, you cannot avoid a healthier and happier life."--Timothy R. Jennings, MD, DFAPA, psychiatrist and author of The Aging Brain and The God-Shaped Brain "The New You is like a handbook for life. The content is clear, concise, and compelling. And Nelson and Jennifer write in a style that is straightforward, biblical, and highly practical. Your life will be better if you read and do what this book says."--Lance Witt, founder, Replenish Ministries "Having no vision for your life should be alarming. However, having a big vision with no plan is senseless. This book will help you cultivate both! I love what Nelson and Jennifer have done because they've made complicated concepts incredibly approachable. You're going to want to keep this book near you for the rest of your life."--Clay Scroggins, lead pastor, North Point Community Church "The New You proves a timely book, as Christians are recognizing in increasing number the call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1)."--Matthew C. Easter, assistant professor of Bible, Missouri Baptist University "The best book in a long time about how to balance spiritual and physical health! Searcy and Henson give an easy-to-follow plan for improving health while growing your spiritual life. Keep this book on your nightstand, in your car, or in your bag to consult it often and learn how physical health and spiritual growth were intended to work together."--Bob Whitesel, DMin PhD, award-winning author of 13 books, coach, consultant, and speaker on church health and growth at ChurchHealth.net "Progress, not perfection! This approach to life keeps me sane and moving in the right direction. It is also what makes The New You such a valuable tool for making the most of your wellness. Read and apply this book and your total person will be transformed!"--Steve Reynolds, pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Annandale, Virginia, and author of Bod4God: Twelve Weeks to Lasting Weight Loss "A refreshing and eye-opening read. Their practical and frank confrontation of the questions and unhealthy habits we often have encourages truthful reflection on how we serve as ministers and Christians. This is balanced brilliantly with the small steps to change, which provide motivation and are nonthreatening for persons who can become overwhelmed by just thinking about getting healthy."--Dwight Fletcher, founder and senior pastor, Transformed Life Church, Kingston, Jamaica "I was not a healthy pastor. I was overweight, out of shape, stressed out, and headed for an early grave. Two years ago, I finally decided to put into practice the principles that Nelson shares in this new book, the same principles that he has been living and sharing with me through coaching. Nelson is right, it really is the small things, done consistently over time, that make a huge impact in every area of life. In the past two years I've lost over eighty-five pounds and kept it off. I have more energy than I've ever had and I'm healthier than I've ever been. I cannot wait to share this book with you! You really are one small step away from a brand new you!"--Pastor Chris Rollins, Coastal Community Church, Charleston, South Carolina "Nelson has been my friend and role model for ministry for nearly thirty years. I have witnessed him excel in every area of life from school to family life to church leadership. The principles that have helped him to be a good friend, husband, father, and pastor are shared in The New You in order to take you from an average life to an abundant life!"--Michael A. Jordan, pastor, Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Axton, Virginia "In The New You, Nelson and Jennifer not only give the reader a checkup but they also give strategies for improving the most important areas of life. If you desire greater energy, clearer thinking, and spiritual vitality, this is the book for you."--Brian Moore, lead pastor, Crosspointe Church Anaheim "This book will strengthen your life, regardless of your faith. You will walk away stronger mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. From the first chapter to the last, you will find big and small ideas you can use now. Don't wait, buy this book now."--Jimmy Britt, lead pastor, Rocky River Church, Charlotte, North Carolina "Nelson and Jennifer have done it again! Having known Nelson for over a decade, I have personally benefited from the teachings in this book. I recommend this book to everyone! And I think it would be a great book for small group study too."--Dr. Rick Mandl, senior pastor, Eagle Rock Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California "The New You is actually about reclaiming YOU! The YOU God envisioned . . . the YOU God created . . . the YOU God loves. In addition to physical health, Nelson and Jennifer delve into the spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions of what makes for a healthy YOU. And that's where The New You really shines. Their holistic approach to your health provides insights galore and, at the end of each chapter, simple and specific strategies to help YOU reclaim more of what God intended for YOU all along!"--Pastor Kent Wilson, creator of 9Minutes2Fit workout program, certified functional aging specialist, and assistant to the bishop in the Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "Wholeness and healing are at the top of God's priority list. By clearly explaining the biblical principles that point to full health, the authors make human wholeness not only understandable but, through a series of small steps, doable."--Stan Pegram, lead pastor, BMZ Regional Church

Jazz can be uplifting, stimulating, sensual, and spiritual. Yet when writers turn to this form of music, they almost always imagine it in terms of loneliness. In Blue Notes: Jazz, Literature, and Loneliness, Sam V. H. Reese investigates literary representations of jazz and the cultural narratives often associated with it, noting how they have, in turn, shaped readers’ judgments and assumptions about the music. This illuminating critical study contemplates the relationship between jazz and literature from a perspective that musicians themselves regularly call upon to characterize their performances: that of the conversation. Reese traces the tradition of literary appropriations of jazz, both as subject matter and as aesthetic structure, in order to show how writers turn to this genre of music as an avenue for exploring aspects of human loneliness. In turn, jazz musicians have often looked to literature—sometimes obliquely, sometimes centrally—for inspiration. Reese devotes particular attention to how several revolutionary jazz artists used the written word as a way to express, in concrete terms, something their music could only allude to or affectively evoke. By analyzing these exchanges between music and literature, Blue Notes refines and expands the cultural meaning of being alone, stressing how loneliness can create beauty, empathy, and understanding. Reese analyzes a body of prose writings that includes Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and midcentury short fiction by James Baldwin, Julio Cortázar, Langston Hughes, and Eudora Welty. Alongside this vibrant tradition of jazz literature, Reese considers the autobiographies of Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus, as well as works by a range of contemporary writers including Geoff Dyer, Toni Morrison, Haruki Murakami, and Zadie Smith. Throughout, Blue Notes offers original perspectives on the disparate ways in which writers acknowledge the expansive side of loneliness, reimagining solitude through narratives of connected isolation.