Unpacking the predictors of loneliness: an inferential analysis from the INTERACT study
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Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background:
Loneliness is a pressing public health concern with wide-ranging impacts on mental, physical and social
wellbeing. Building on the INTERACT Study-the largest UK-based investigation of loneliness-this paper
explores demographic, social and health-related predictors of loneliness and social capital, using
multiple validated measures.
Methods:
We analysed cross-sectional data from 135,722 community-dwelling adults across England. Loneliness
was assessed using both the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale and the ONS Direct Measure of Loneliness
(DMOL). Social capital was measured using a composite scale of neighbourhood trust, cohesion and
reciprocity. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to examine predictors of loneliness; binary
logistic regression was used to analyse correlates of high versus low social capital.
Results:
Younger age (particularly 16–25), being single, unemployed or living with disability were consistently
associated with higher loneliness across both scales. In contrast, greater social contact having nine or
more friends or relatives was strongly protective (UCLA: aOR 0.09; DMOL: aOR 0.16). University
education was associated with higher loneliness on the UCLA scale but lower loneliness on the DMOL.
High social capital was more prevalent among older, married and retired individuals and strongly
predicted lower loneliness. Respondents with long-term conditions or disability had reduced odds of
high social capital (aORs 0.65 and 0.59 respectively).
Conclusions:
This study highlights consistent sociodemographic and social predictors of loneliness, as well as the
protective role of social capital. Findings support the need for targeted public health interventions that
address social connection among young adults, single people, the unemployed and individuals in poor
health. Strategies that invest in neighbourhood cohesion and social infrastructure are vital for mitigating
loneliness and strengthening community wellbeing.
Loneliness is a pressing public health concern with wide-ranging impacts on mental, physical and social
wellbeing. Building on the INTERACT Study-the largest UK-based investigation of loneliness-this paper
explores demographic, social and health-related predictors of loneliness and social capital, using
multiple validated measures.
Methods:
We analysed cross-sectional data from 135,722 community-dwelling adults across England. Loneliness
was assessed using both the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale and the ONS Direct Measure of Loneliness
(DMOL). Social capital was measured using a composite scale of neighbourhood trust, cohesion and
reciprocity. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to examine predictors of loneliness; binary
logistic regression was used to analyse correlates of high versus low social capital.
Results:
Younger age (particularly 16–25), being single, unemployed or living with disability were consistently
associated with higher loneliness across both scales. In contrast, greater social contact having nine or
more friends or relatives was strongly protective (UCLA: aOR 0.09; DMOL: aOR 0.16). University
education was associated with higher loneliness on the UCLA scale but lower loneliness on the DMOL.
High social capital was more prevalent among older, married and retired individuals and strongly
predicted lower loneliness. Respondents with long-term conditions or disability had reduced odds of
high social capital (aORs 0.65 and 0.59 respectively).
Conclusions:
This study highlights consistent sociodemographic and social predictors of loneliness, as well as the
protective role of social capital. Findings support the need for targeted public health interventions that
address social connection among young adults, single people, the unemployed and individuals in poor
health. Strategies that invest in neighbourhood cohesion and social infrastructure are vital for mitigating
loneliness and strengthening community wellbeing.
Date Acceptance
2025-06-13
Citation
BMC Global and Public Health
ISSN
2731-913X
Publisher
BMC
Journal / Book Title
BMC Global and Public Health
Copyright Statement
Copyright © This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
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Publication Status
Accepted