Within-Person Fluctuations in Momentary Loneliness Among People With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Loneliness is highly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia and contributes to poor functional and clinical outcomes. However, most research to date has relied on trait-based assessments, providing limited insight into the dynamic nature of loneliness experiences. Aims: The current study employed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine momentary loneliness and its variability in people with schizophrenia relative to a comparison group of participants without a history of serious mental illness (NC). Methods: Participants included 104 adults (39 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 65 NC). Participants completed up to 28 EMA surveys over seven consecutive days. Results: Participants with schizophrenia reported significantly higher trait and momentary loneliness, as well as greater between-person and within-person variability in momentary loneliness. Trait loneliness was moderately associated with momentary loneliness but did not account for the elevated within-person variability observed in the schizophrenia group. Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of considering both chronic and dynamic features of loneliness in schizophrenia and highlight the potential value of real-time assessment for informing targeted interventions.