Loneliness Trajectories: The Role of Posttraumatic Symptoms and Social Support

This study prospectively examines the longitudinal course of loneliness, social support, and posttraumatic symptoms (PTS) among Israeli war veterans. Two groups of veterans with and without antecedent combat stress reaction (CSR) were assessed at three points of time during a 20-year period. Veterans with CSR reported higher levels of loneliness compared with veterans without CSR. Loneliness remained stable among veterans with CSR but decreased among veterans without CSR. Baseline level of social support predicted the trajectory of change in loneliness. Finally, higher levels of PTS and lower levels of social support were associated with more loneliness among veterans with CSR.