Overcoming loneliness and social isolation

People who feel lonely or who are socially isolated are often hesitant to reach out for help. At the same time, social workers find it difficult to address these issues with their clients. Existing interventions typically fall... [ view full abstract ]

People who feel lonely or who are socially isolated are often hesitant to reach out for help. At the same time, social workers find it difficult to address these issues with their clients. Existing interventions typically fall short to reduce loneliness (Masi, Chen, Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010). We claim that this may well arise from a mismatch between the social workers’ assumptions and the client’s needs.
In a national (Dutch) collaboration between social welfare institutions, volunteer organizations and universities, we aimed to develop a new method for volunteers and professional social workers in dealing with loneliness. In the multi-phased method, there is a strong emphasis on connecting with the client. Professionals and volunteers are challenged to acknowledge their own assumptions, feelings and experiences with loneliness enabling them to fully relate to their client and his or her needs. Only then, we argue, a plan can be developed that is tailored to the client and therefore actually capable of alleviating - or in some cases end - feelings of loneliness, or a situation of social isolation.
Across five cities, we trained approximately 100 social workers and volunteers with a variety of backgrounds. Prior to the training, participants filled in a questionnaire assessing knowledge, skills and attitudes in dealing with loneliness. We also interviewed participants in focus groups, to gain more insight into the actual experiences with the use of practices and instruments introduced in the training. At the end of the training, the participants again filled in the questionnaire. Based upon a pre-post comparison, we draw conclusions about the impact of the training to improve professionals’ competences in dealing with loneliness and social isolation.
The workshop will feature the method and the first results of our study.