Everyone feels lonely at one time or another, but for some people loneliness is a chronic condition. More than just an unwelcome social situation, chronic loneliness is linked with impaired physical and mental health (McInnis and White, 2001). In one recent study, lonely college students had higher levels of stress-related hormones and poorer sleep patterns than students who had relationships with others (Cacioppo and others, 2000). Chronic loneliness even can lead to early death (Cuijpers, 2001).

Loneliness is often a part of life transitions, such as a move to a different part of the country, a divorce, or the death of a close friend or family member. Another situation that often creates loneliness is the first year of college, when students leave the familiar world of their hometown and family. Especially if students attend college away from home, they face the task of forming completely new social relationships.

One study found that 2 weeks after the school year began, 75 percent of 354 college freshmen felt lonely at least part of the time (Cutrona, 1982). More than 40 percent said their loneliness was moderate to severe. Students who were the most optimistic and had the highest self-esteem were more likely to overcome their loneliness by the end of their freshman year.

But loneliness is not reserved for college freshmen. Upperclassmen are often lonely as well. Being able to meet new people and form new social relationships helps throughout the college years.

One of the factors that may be contributing to loneliness in contemporary society is technology. Invention of the telephone more than a century ago seems to have decreased social isolation for many individuals and families. However, psychologists have found a link between TV viewing and loneliness. Correlation does not equal causation, but it does seem plausible that television can contribute to social disengagement.

Because most people isolate themselves at their computers when they use the Internet, the Internet also may increase disengagement. One study focused on 169 individuals during their first several years online (Kraut and others, 1998). In this study, greater use of the Internet was associated with declines in communication with family members in the household and increases in depression and loneliness.

At the same time, however, some people use the Internet to form potentially strong new ties. Especially for socially anxious and lonely individuals, the Internet may provide a safe way to begin contacts that eventually lead to face-to-face meetings and possibly even intimate relationships.

How do you determine if you are lonely? Scales of loneliness ask you to respond to items like "I don't feel in tune with the people around me" and "I can find companionship when I want it." If you consistently respond that you never or rarely feel in tune with people around you and rarely or never can find companionship when you want it, you are likely to fall into the category of people who are described as moderately or intensely lonely (Russell, 1996).

Here are some strategies for becoming better connected with others and overcoming loneliness:

• Participate in activities that you can do with others. Join organizations or volunteer your time for a cause you believe in. You likely will get to know others whose views are similar to yours. Going to just one social gathering can help you develop social contacts. When you go, introduce yourself to others and start a conversation. Another strategy is to sit next to new people in your classes or find someone to study with.
• Be aware of the early warning signs of loneliness. People often feel bored or alienated before loneliness becomes pervasive. Head off loneliness by becoming involved in new social activities.
• Draw a diagram of your social network. Determine whether the people in the diagram meet your social needs. If not, pencil in the people you would like to get to know.
• Engage in positive behaviors when you meet new people. You will improve your chances of developing enduring relationships if, when you meet new people, you are nice, considerate, honest, trustworthy, and cooperative. Have a positive attitude, be supportive of the other person, and make positive comments about him or her.
• See a counselor or read a book on loneliness. If you can't get rid of your loneliness on your own, you might want to contact the counseling services at your college. The counselor can talk with you about strategies for reducing your loneliness. You also might want to read a good book on loneliness, such as Intimate Connections by David Burns (1985).