Loneliness in a Maximum-Security Forensic Hospital: An Experience Sampling Analysis

Abstract

This study investigated correlates of loneliness in 25 incarcerated psychiatric patients in a maximum-security hospital to clarify relations between loneliness and other contextual and interpersonal variables. Forensic inpatients reported the greatest frequency of loneliness and negative emotional states when they were alone. Significant positive correlations were found between reported loneliness and subjective variables such as rejection, helplessness, worthlessness, and anxiety. A significant negative correlation was found between reported loneliness and sociability. Patients reported the greatest frequency of loneliness during leisure-type activities. Leisure time was filled with activities, such as television watching, that did not make people feel sociable but instead fostered negative emotional states. The findings indicate that activities that are goal-directed and enhance sense of worth decrease feelings of helplessness and worthlessness. Unexpectedly, reported loneliness was not related to any of the personality measures used, suggesting that the subjective experience of loneliness may not be related to personality traits.