Neurocomputational mechanisms of maladaptive behaviors in loneliness

'Loneliness' refers to the perceived social isolation triggered by unsatisfying relationships. Most research and interventions have framed it as an individual problem rather than a broader social issue rooted in the (infra)structures of our societies. Here, we synthesize the neurocomputational evidence on the cognitive processes underpinning loneliness and the psychological and behavioral effects of the social environment and, in particular, community identification on feelings of loneliness. We propose that community-based interventions might effectively tackle loneliness by creating the preconditions that can prevent the emergence and reinforcement of the cognitive biases that foster maladaptive behavioral and reasoning patterns in lonely individuals. Finally, we discuss how future work can better design and tailor social interventions to reduce loneliness and improve mental health in general.