The psychology of loneliness
The Psychology of Loneliness: A New Perspective
In recent years, the conversation around loneliness has intensified, often framing solitude as detrimental to our well-being. However, psychologist Ethan Kross challenges this narrative in his enlightening interview featured on The Well. Kross highlights that it’s not the experience of being alone that leads to negative consequences, but rather our perceptions about solitude.
Studies show that popular media tends to depict being alone in a negative light, significantly influencing public beliefs. Those who view solitude unfavorably often experience heightened feelings of loneliness, while individuals who embrace alone time report enhanced creativity and self-reflection. Kross argues that by reframing our understanding of solitude as an opportunity, we can cultivate a more positive self-dialogue that benefits our mental health and relationships.
This video urges viewers to recognize the underappreciated benefits of alone time, advocating for a shift in public narratives surrounding loneliness. By celebrating solitude rather than shunning it, we can reshape our societal attitudes. Join Kross on this journey to rethink loneliness as a pathway to growth and self-discovery.
To explore more insights, subscribe to The Well and delve into the mind of one of psychology’s leading experts.
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Author Video Description
This interview is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation.
Subscribe to The Well on YouTube ► https://bit.ly/thewell-youtube
Watch all of Kross’s interviews ► https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_B7bI1QVmJCicywliIA6EcD5U1ks8HZN
Popular media has made loneliness look bad, but is it really? Author and psychologist Ethan Kross explains his study of loneliness, finding that it is actually our response to loneliness – rather than the act of being alone itself – that has negative effects. If we reframe loneliness as an opportunity instead of a threat, it can have surprising benefits for our creativity, well-being, and relationships with ourselves.
Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/the-well/the-science-of-being-alone-vs-loneliness/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description_bigthink
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About Ethan Kross:
Ethan Kross is one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. An award-winning professor and bestselling author in the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Psychology Department and its Ross School of Business, he studies how the conversations people have with themselves impact their health, performance, decisions and relationships.
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About The Well
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Video “The psychology of loneliness” was uploaded on 10/14/2025 to Youtube Channel Big Think