Facing the enigma of loneliness: Transcending the individual perspective to address a common phenomenon

In recent years, awareness has grown about the importance of social relationships in people's lives, driven by research highlighting their link to health and well-being. At the same time, policies have been put in place to address loneliness, due to concerns about public health and social cohesion.
As we know, loneliness is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of individual, interpersonal, community and social factors. This monograph reflects on aspects that need to be understood in order to comprehend loneliness, as well as the factors that contribute to its emergence, from a broad perspective that can be framed within a socio-ecological framework.
This research concludes with some preventive approaches to addressing loneliness, under a discourse that points to the need to adopt a comprehensive approach and consider both macrosocial and cultural factors as well as direct interventions. Thus, the design of public policies must be sensitive to cultural and social differences. Therefore, when a person is alone, it is not only necessary to address loneliness, but also to foster networks of friends and significant others to prevent loneliness.