Dynamics of loneliness and social isolation

Funding agency

Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Grant

Project period

2018 – 2021

Project investigators

• Michael Shields
• Stephen Pudney

CHE Researchers

• David Johnston
• Claryn Kung
• Johannes Kunz

Project aims

This project aims to provide new insights into the socioeconomic dynamics of loneliness and social isolation using advanced econometric modelling techniques applied to longitudinal data from Australia and the UK. This project will apply advanced econometric modelling techniques to data from four nationally-representative longitudinal surveys to substantively help address these knowledge gaps, giving policy-makers new information about how to address these growing societal concerns. The expected outcomes will provide policy-makers with a better understanding of the socioeconomic triggers for loneliness and social isolation; quantify the costs of loneliness and social isolation on health and well-being; and identify policy interventions aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation.

Publications

Kung, C.S.J., Kunz, J.S. and Shields, M.A. (2021), Economic Aspects of Loneliness in Australia. Australian Economic Review, 54: 147-163. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8462.12414

Johnston, D.W., Kung, C.S.J. and Shields, M.A. (2021), Who is Resilient in a Time of Crisis? The Importance of Financial and Non-Financial Resources, IZA DP No. 13720. http://ftp.iza.org/dp13720.pdf