Overcoming Loneliness in Everyday Life

by Jacqueline Olds, Richard C. Schwartz, Harriet Webster

Chronic loneliness affects millions of individuals. Drawing on their own experience as psychotherapists, and the latest studies in this field, the authors identify the risks of loneliness, describe its causes and effects, and explain how to overcome the state of aloneness and the despair it can engender.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

How weird that I can remember almost nothing about this book, except that it confirmed what I already believe to be true. We are no longer part of larger communities or extended families.

[Eric Chappell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loneliness is an increasing American epidemic. That's what the research indicates; my own pastoral experience testifies to it as well. Overcoming Loneliness seeks to set the problem in its historical, cultural, and psychological context. Probably a little outdated at this point (written circa 1996). But had a few helpful chapters e.g. the history of the small group movement, how to make connections as a neighbor, the limits of psychiatry to address the problem. This was decent as a quick read.