A Systematic Phenomenological Review of Loneliness Dimensions, Etiologies, Outcomes, and Their Interplay with Personal Achievement

Subject Areas : Iranian Sociological Review

Faezeh Jamshidi Goharrizi ¹ , Zahra Zare ^{2 *} , Soroush Fathi ³ , Majid Radfar ⁴

1 - Ph.D. Student in Cultural Sociology, Department of Sociology of Culture KI. C., Islamic Azad University Kish, Iran
2 - Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, E.T. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, W.T. C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2025-09-14 Accepted : 2025-11-09 Published : 2025-11-11

Keywords: Loneliness, Phenomenology, Lived experiences, Social theories, Personal success, ,

Abstract :

Objective: This systematic review synthesizes phenomenological studies on the lived experiences of loneliness, examining its definitions, dimensions, theoretical foundations, influencing factors, consequences, and links to personal success. Drawing from diverse populations—including women, elders, adolescents, and patients with chronic illnesses—the review explores loneliness as a multifaceted emotional state.

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, six databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, SID, and MagIran) were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Keywords included “lived experiences of loneliness,” “phenomenology of loneliness,” and “loneliness and success,” in English and Persian. Inclusion criteria focused on qualitative phenomenological studies; quantitative and non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Quality was assessed using MMAT. From 1,350 records, 50 studies were selected (26 English, 24 Persian/international).

Results: Six core themes emerged: (1) emotional vs. social and chronic vs. transient loneliness; (2) theoretical models (e.g., attachment, symbolic interactionism); (3) influencing factors (e.g., social ties, transitions, personality); (4) consequences (e.g., distress, health decline, reduced motivation); (5) dual role of loneliness in success—as barrier or catalyst; and (6) lived experiences across groups, with cultural nuances. Later-life loneliness was often stressful yet growth-oriented.

Implications: Loneliness is a public health concern with bidirectional ties to success, intensified by global crises. Effective interventions should address relational quality, self-efficacy, and cultural sensitivity. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs, include male perspectives, and explore constructive aspects of loneliness across diverse contexts.

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