Scientists have found a direct link between loneliness and bodily pain

Researchers at City St George's University in London have found that feelings of social isolation significantly increase the risk of physical pain. The results of a large-scale study involving more than 250,000 people from 139 countries were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Participants were people aged between 15 and 100, whose responses were collected as part of the Gallup World Poll between 2023 and 2024. As it turned out, those who felt lonely were twice as likely to complain of physical pain as those who did not experience loneliness.

In addition to pain, loneliness was also found to be associated with increased odds of developing other health problems and psychological distress. People experiencing loneliness were 25.8 per cent more likely to report mental distress and almost twice as likely to report feeling unwell.

The study authors - Dr Lucia Macchia and Dr Anne-Katrin Fett from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience - found that it was psychological distress that made the biggest contribution to the link between loneliness and pain. It explains more than 60 per cent of the correlation. Physical health explains about 19%, and socio-demographic factors (income, education, availability of support) explain 14%.

In addition, the study found that lonely people are more likely to have only primary education, work part-time (while wanting to work more), are more likely to be unemployed, and earn lower incomes than those who do not experience loneliness.

Notably, these patterns are found across all age groups, although they are particularly pronounced for women. Older people are more likely to feel lonely and suffer from pain and health problems, but the link between loneliness and pain persists even among the young.

"We found a clear association between loneliness and physical pain, and it is largely explained by psychological distress, and to a lesser extent by health and socioeconomic status," Dr Macchia explained.

She also emphasised that the strength of this link varies from country to country, indicating the role of cultural factors.

According to the survey, 22.7 per cent of respondents said they felt lonely "all day" the day before the survey. These people were more likely to be single in marital status (widowed, divorced, unmarried), to have lower levels of income and education, and more likely to be out of the labour force.

The authors emphasise that loneliness is not just a lack of communication. Even when friends and family are present, and opportunities for social encounters are satisfying, feelings of loneliness can persist - and can be accompanied by real physical pain.

Interestingly, the highest rates of loneliness, pain and distress were not only found in low-income countries. The association between these factors did not always coincide with the level of economic development, suggesting the influence of cultural norms and social expectations.

Researchers call for loneliness to be seen as a global challenge to public health. Addressing the problem, they argue, requires a comprehensive approach - not only building social connections, but also combating psychological distress and inequality.

The study concludes with an important conclusion: loneliness is a "potentially painful and multifaceted" condition that requires cross-cultural and long-term study to develop effective solutions.