Book
Cacioppo JT, Patrick W. Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection. W.W. Norton & Company; 2008.
Why we cite it
Popular science book presenting Cacioppo’s research on the science of loneliness. The central argument: loneliness is a biological signal — like hunger or thirst — that evolved to drive social reconnection. When the signal becomes chronic, it disrupts not only psychological well-being but physical health: immune function, cognitive ability, sleep, and cardiovascular health all deteriorate. Social and physical pain activate overlapping brain regions, meaning social disconnection is experienced as genuine pain. The health impact of chronic loneliness is comparable to obesity or smoking as a mortality risk factor. The book establishes that social connection is a biological need rather than a preference, grounding this in neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and epidemiology. Library Journal Best Science Book of the Year. Referenced by 1 companion (1 total reference).
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