Exploring Loneliness in Mental Illness and Its Impact on Recovery: An Integrative Review
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom II: In-Person Only
| Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
| 1:50 PM - 2:10 PM |
Overview
Vanessa Caple, La Trobe University
Presenter
Mrs Vanessa Caple
Academic
La Trobe University
Exploring Loneliness in Mental Illness and Its Impact on Recovery: An Integrative Review
Abstract
Background: Individuals with mental illness often experienced significantly higher rates of social isolation and loneliness compared to the general population. This population faced unique challenges, including stigma, discrimination, repeated psychiatric admissions, and struggles with low self-esteem and self-efficacy. Common interventions for mitigating loneliness and social isolation included psychosocial skills training and cognitive group therapy.
Objective: This paper aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of loneliness on the recovery journey of individuals with mental illness.
Methods: An integrative review synthesized existing evidence on the effects of loneliness on mental illness and recovery.
Results: Findings indicated that individuals with mental illness experienced high levels of social isolation and loneliness, which negatively impacted both recovery and quality of life. Key factors such as social deprivation, lack of social integration, and romantic loneliness contributed to poor recovery outcomes. Conversely, feelings of belonging, trust, and hope were essential for improving quality of life and supporting recovery.
Implications for Practice: Re-evaluating the current culture in mental health nursing could lead to practices that more effectively address loneliness and support recovery outcomes. Existing research tools should be refined to better capture the multifaceted nature of loneliness as experienced by those with mental illness. An integrated approach to recovery, optimized service delivery, and evidence-based clinical practice were found to be essential in enhancing individuals’ social circumstances and relationships. Additionally, mental health nursing practice should emphasize a deep understanding of caring for individuals experiencing loneliness. Further longitudinal research is essential to clarify the complex relationship between loneliness, mental illness, and recovery, and to inform future mental health nursing practices.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Impact of loneliness on mental health recovery
2. Critical factors influencing loneliness
3. Implications for mental health practice
Objective: This paper aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of loneliness on the recovery journey of individuals with mental illness.
Methods: An integrative review synthesized existing evidence on the effects of loneliness on mental illness and recovery.
Results: Findings indicated that individuals with mental illness experienced high levels of social isolation and loneliness, which negatively impacted both recovery and quality of life. Key factors such as social deprivation, lack of social integration, and romantic loneliness contributed to poor recovery outcomes. Conversely, feelings of belonging, trust, and hope were essential for improving quality of life and supporting recovery.
Implications for Practice: Re-evaluating the current culture in mental health nursing could lead to practices that more effectively address loneliness and support recovery outcomes. Existing research tools should be refined to better capture the multifaceted nature of loneliness as experienced by those with mental illness. An integrated approach to recovery, optimized service delivery, and evidence-based clinical practice were found to be essential in enhancing individuals’ social circumstances and relationships. Additionally, mental health nursing practice should emphasize a deep understanding of caring for individuals experiencing loneliness. Further longitudinal research is essential to clarify the complex relationship between loneliness, mental illness, and recovery, and to inform future mental health nursing practices.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Impact of loneliness on mental health recovery
2. Critical factors influencing loneliness
3. Implications for mental health practice
Biography
Vanessa Caple is an academic and PhD candidate at La Trobe University with a research focus on mental health. My PhD explores the impact of loneliness on the recovery journey of individuals living with mental illness. I have published an integrative review in a Q1 journal titled “An Exploration of Loneliness Experienced by People Living with Mental Illness and the Impact on Their Recovery Journey,” reflecting my deep interest in this critical area.
