Loneliness and Cognitive Vulnerability Factors: A Systematic Review Focused of Maladaptive Cognitions

Abstract

We aimed to identify and report data from studies investigating associations between loneliness and maladaptive cognitions. Eighteen studies were included in the present systematic review. Findings generally supported positive associations between loneliness and maladaptive cognitions, and this pattern was consistent across different types of cognitions. Maladaptive cognitions may represent vulnerability factors for loneliness, but given that most evidence comes from studies reporting crosssectional data in convenience samples, further research is needed to clarify the nature and dynamic of the association. Existing studies provide evidence for a relation between loneliness and maladaptive cognitions, and support the relevance of further research on this topic.