Loop(s) of loneliness: Exploring cognitive and behavioral aspects of (mal)adaptive loneliness

Loneliness is a profoundly distressing state that stems from an innate need to belong. This pervasive feeling has repeatedly been shown to have associations with detrimental physical and mental health outcomes. One prominent cognitive model delves into the cognitive and behavioral components of loneliness, depicting prolonged loneliness as a vicious self-perpetuating cycle. Despite its widespread acknowledgments in the scientific community and some empirical support, significant gaps remain regarding some of its assumptions. Current interventions addressing loneliness and its cognitive and behavioral aspects have shown promising results. However, the need for low-threshold interventions such as internet-based solutions might be beneficial due to the associated self-stigmatization of lonely individuals. This dissertation explores the multifaceted phenomenon of loneliness by examining the cognitive underpinnings and behavioral manifestations. Further, it investigates the potential of an internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention in mitigating feelings of loneliness. Four studies conducted within this dissertation underscore the complexity of loneliness and highlight the potential of internet-based cognitive behavioral interventions to alleviate it. The dissertation discusses an alternative and more flexible theoretical approach by implementing a self-regulatory perspective on adaptive and maladaptive loneliness. Based on the results and the self-regulatory perspective, future directions are formulated concerning potential longitudinal studies, the assessment of loneliness, and interventions.