What Is Transient Loneliness And Why Does It Occur?

Transient loneliness is a short-term loneliness that occurs when a person experiences a temporary change in their circumstances or environment.
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Q: What Is Transient Loneliness And Why Does It Occur?

A: Transient loneliness, also known as “state” or transitional loneliness, is a short-term type of loneliness that occurs when a person experiences a temporary change in their circumstances, environment or relationships.

Even when this change is a good thing overall — such as accepting a job promotion — a person may contend with feelings of transient loneliness as they adapt to their new circumstances.

Transient loneliness can come about during any change a person considers to be a significant upheaval, including:

Transient loneliness is usually temporary, manifesting when one is unable to receive their desired amount of social connection with others over a brief period of time.

As a person adapts to change, transient loneliness can motivate them to re-establish existing bonds with others or to create new social connections.

This type of loneliness may be a good thing, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and acceptance of the change.

Transient loneliness generally subsides with time as a person acclimates to the changes they’ve undergone or are experiencing.

However, when feelings of loneliness do not abate or worsen over time a person may develop chronic loneliness. This type of loneliness is marked by a long-term inability to make connections with other people and feelings of isolation.

Adults who are dealing with a major transition of some kind are more likely to struggle with social isolation, which is linked to substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

For this reason, transient loneliness can become problematic if it develops into chronic or long-term loneliness, although both transient and chronic loneliness can have negative impacts on health.

If you are struggling with loneliness right now, there are resources to find help.

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Roots Of Loneliness Project, the first-of-its-kind resource that comprehensively explores the phenomenon of loneliness and over 100 types we might experience during our lives.