Conceptualizing loneliness as a public health problem at the meso level

Abstract The meso level is composed by three interindividual levels that correspond to: intimate relationships, social network, and situational factors, encompassing personal context, physical and social environment. Thus, meso-level theories examine loneliness in the context of social relationships, personal situations and community settings. In this presentation, several theories will be presented for their complementary approach to provide an understanding on how interpersonal networks and relationships and their context play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of loneliness in later life and contribute to conceptualize it as a public health problem.

First, models describing social relationships and social network will be reported such as the umbrella concepts of social capital and social connection. Second, models focusing on the dynamic nature of social relationships will be introduced such as the Convoy model of social relationships, the Differential Investment of Resources (DIRe) model, the Dynamic process model of loneliness and The Model of relational mobility. Third, as situational factors, personal context (illness and disability; low income and low educational attainment; and stressful situations and transitions), environmental context (e.g. lonelygenic environments conceptual model) and the virtual context will be described.

Last, models integrating micro and macro levels with the meso level will be presented such as The SOCIAL Framework: The Systemic Framework of Cross-Sector Integration and Action Across the Life Span. Finally, a discussion will be held on the implications to conceptualize loneliness as a public health problem from the perspective of the meso level contributions.