Poor Self-Control Can Lead To Feelings Of Loneliness

Loneliness can be something of a vicious cycle. As previous research has suggested, your personality can increase your likelihood of being lonely, and loneliness can impact your personality. We also know that self-centredness can increase loneliness, that being true to yourself can reduce loneliness, and that even warming yourself up on a cold day can ease cravings for social contact. 

Loneliness, then, is highly dependent on personality factors as well as social factors such as discrimination, limited access to transport, and lack of social cohesion. And a new study identifies another individual factor: low self-control. The team finds that failures of self-control can have serious social ramifications — leading to ostracism and, eventually, loneliness. Continue reading →