Study: Young people in particular suffer greatly from loneliness
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst and loneliness researcher Maike Luhmann will present a study on loneliness among young people on Friday. According to previous studies, the coronavirus pandemic has clearly left its mark on the population in terms of feelings of loneliness, especially among young people. The analysis now commissioned by the NRW State Chancellery therefore focuses on young people and young adults. It will also look at risk and protective factors and the question of how loneliness can be managed effectively.
According to scientific findings, prolonged, chronic loneliness can also lead to physical and mental illness. CDU politician Wüst told the German Press Agency: "Loneliness is the new social issue of our time. It not only has a negative impact on the lives of those affected. Loneliness also challenges our health and social system and damages social cohesion."
According to the head of government, politicians must address the phenomenon at all levels of government - from the federal government to the federal states and local authorities. "The topic belongs at the heart of society. We have to get it out of the taboo zone." For a long time, the focus has been on loneliness among older people, while the data on younger people is still quite thin.
The new study commissioned by the NRW State Chancellery is to be presented in Berlin at midday (12.30 p.m.) and the topic will then be discussed in greater depth in a panel discussion. In addition to Bochum-based researcher Luhmann, who also advises the German government, psychologist and podcaster Franca Cerutti and comedian Maxi Gstettenbauer will also be taking part. A year ago, he wrote a personal book about depression and loneliness.
The study presented by North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister President Hendrik Wüst and loneliness researcher Maike Luhmann specifically focuses on loneliness among the youth, revealing that this age group has been significantly impacted by feelings of loneliness during the pandemic. Addressing the issue of youth loneliness in society is crucial, as prolonged loneliness can lead to both physical and mental health issues, emphasized CDU politician Wüst.
Source: www.dpa.com
