1.
People who feel lonely are very few and far between. They are the oddballs of society.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Loneliness is in fact a growing phenomenon in developed and developing societies. It is estimated in the United States alone, at least 33% of the population report feeling lonely. Increasing societal trends towards individualism may be contributing to the increasing numbers. So if you are feeling lonely, chances are, right around you, there are a lot of other people who feel lonely as well.
2.
You can feel lonely both when you are by yourself with no one else around or in the middle of a crowd, surrounded by others.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Loneliness is a subjective feeling, meaning that what creates feelings of loneliness is different from person to person. Generally, a person feels lonely when he/she has not had their social needs met. So, even in a crowd, if one's social needs are not met, he/she will still feel lonely.
3.
Which two periods in the lifespan: young adults (19-40), middle-aged adults (40-65), seniors (65+) are most likely to feel lonely?
Correct Answer
C. Young adults and seniors
Explanation
Several pieces of research have found that young adults and seniors tend to be the loneliest age groups.
4.
If you experience loneliness, what is the BEST way to cope with it?
Correct Answer
B. Talk to someone about how you feel and why you feel that way
Explanation
The two positive coping strategies are active solitude (such as listening to music exercising or working on a hobby) and social contact (talking to someone). These strategies are positive because they effectively reduce feelings of loneliness after the activity. However, the best coping strategy is to social contact because it addresses one's social needs and helps one deal with the emotion of loneliness.
5.
One of the best and most effective ways of permanently curing loneliness is to find a romantic partner, someone who will provide the unconditional love that we need to satisfy our lonely desires.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Sorry folks, this one is false. We often ascribe to the myth that all of our intimacy needs can be fulfilled by one other person. For 99.9% of people, this is not the case. We also need friends and family to help fulfill our intimacy needs also. One person cannot do it all. In fact, there are a lot of married people that are still lonely. Placing that kind of demand on one other person is unfair and a recipe for disappointment.
6.
Loneliness is a form of depression.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Loneliness and depression are two distinct mental health issues. While it is common that lonely people are depressed, or depressed people are lonely, the causes and treatments for loneliness and depression are different. It is also possible that one can be lonely and not depressed (perhaps isolating oneself for a couple of days to study for a big exam) or depressed and not lonely (having lots of friends but still feeling depressed).
7.
Loneliness can make you physically ill.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Loneliness has been linked to physical illnesses such as high blood pressure and decreased immune functioning.
8.
It is possible that someone can appear to be extroverted, outgoing, and have good social skills but still be very lonely.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Although when we think of lonely people, we may think of the stereotypical shy, withdrawn, individual, it is also possible that outgoing, extroverted individuals also experience a high degree of loneliness as well. While these outgoing people may be good at establishing initial relationships, they often have trouble deepening their relationships with others.
9.
One of the most effective treatments for individuals who feel chronically lonely is to join a club or group.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Joining a club or group may work well for individuals who only experience temporary periods of loneliness. However, for individuals who have experienced loneliness for a long period of time, just being surrounded by others or even interacting with them is not enough. Very often lonely people have trouble taking friendships to a deeper level that would help address the underlying feelings of loneliness. Without some internal, mental changes, joining social groups will not be effective.
10.
Which of the following are the kinds of thoughts a chronically lonely person would have?
Correct Answer(s)
A. If I approach that person to talk with them, most likely they will reject me
B. People are selfish, self-centered, and cannot be trusted
C. Why would anyone be interested in me, I'm not very interesting.
Explanation
All of these are examples of the kinds of negative, automatic thoughts that chronically lonely people have. They often assume that they will be rejected in social situations, or that people cannot be trusted. Ironically they may then act in certain ways that cause them to be rejected in these social situations. The constant reinforcement can make them weary or anxious about social situations.
11.
Often (but not always), individuals who are chronically lonely, have some kind of childhood trauma (such as child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, etc.).
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Having early childhood trauma often teaches people that the world is not a safe place and people cannot be trusted. As such, they tend to shut others out and at the same time, creating chronic feelings of loneliness.
12.
Self-help books/websites are good ways of curing one's feelings of chronic loneliness.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
While self-help books and websites can be good ways of gaining insight into one's feelings of chronic loneliness, curing loneliness often requires the help of others, either in a supportive group and/or with a therapist.