Abstract Since the 1950s, researchers have raised concerns about unclear definitions and conceptualisations of loneliness. Much of the work in this regard has been conducted in psychiatry, psychology, philosophy, and sociology. With increasing interest among public health practitioners on the topic of loneliness, it is important to this discipline to consider issues of conceptualising loneliness: how best to define it, how to frame its aetiology, and whether the subjectivity of the experience of loneliness is universal. Public health stands to benefit greatly from considering such issues, since poor definitions and conceptualisations of loneliness are likely to have stymied intervention attempts to date. In these scientific sessions, where we focus on the experience of loneliness across the lifespan, we will present four studies which a) present definitions, conceptualisations, or aetiologies of loneliness, and b) consider their implications for public health, including intervention, evaluation, and prevention. The need to employ a lifespan approach is underscored by the unique challenges faced at different life stages which can drive loneliness. Attendees to the workshop will learn about state-of-the-art approaches to defining and conceptualising loneliness from a range of disciplines, and engage with a discussion about how public health approaches to preventing or reducing loneliness may be informed by the research presented. In Presentation 1 (10 mins), Dr Joanna McHugh Power will present an empirical synthesis of studies from a range of age groups, in which lay definitions of loneliness were elicited. Such definitions have clear messages for those interested in resolving loneliness for older adults. In Presentation 2 (10 mins) Dr Laura Riddleston will discuss the discrepancy between youth and (adult) expert definitions of youth loneliness, demonstrating the importance of such work for creating developmentally sensitive measures of loneliness. Then, Dr Laura Coll-Planas (10 mins) will present on meso-level determinants of loneliness in older adults, considering how these can inform public health approaches for loneliness. Finally, Dr Fredrica Nyqvist (10 mins) will present an integrative account of macro-level determinants of loneliness among older adults, yielding further insights for how public health can respond to the issue. At the end we will invite discussion with the audience (20 mins). Key messages • We present syntheses of existing definitions and conceptualisations of loneliness and their shortcomings, using a lifespan perspective to consider age-related changes in loneliness experiences. • We also consider public health implications of our work on defining and conceptualising loneliness.
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