WHEN TRAUMA SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE OF LONELINESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/psy-visnyk/2025.1.5Keywords:
loneliness, childhood experiences, emotional isolation, traumaAbstract
The article presents a theoretical and empirical study of the peculiarities of experiencing loneliness in adulthood. The theoretical part of the work was based on a systematic analysis of scientific and theoretical research on the problem of adult loneliness and the causes of its occurrence. On the basis of theoretical searches and generalizations, a program of empirical verification of certain provisions was developed. The validity and reliability of the results were ensured by the scientific and methodological validity of the study, the use of methods adequate to the tasks and the representativeness of the sample. The article attempts to integrate scientific positions on the problem of loneliness among adults who have experience of close relationships. The subject of the study was defined by the peculiarities of experiencing loneliness in the period of middle adulthood. The article focused on the peculiarities of experiencing loneliness by adults as a consequence of their invisible childhood wounds. The generalization of scientific research made it possible to define loneliness in adults as a subjective feeling of isolation, emotional or social disconnection, regardless of the actual presence of other people in life. It occurs when the need for emotional closeness or social support is not met, and is often accompanied by feelings of emptiness, anxiety, or even shame. The article notes that the loneliness experienced by many adults often has its roots in traumatic events experienced in childhood. It is clarified that the traumatic experience of childhood can manifest itself in violations of emotional regulation, distrust of the partner, low self-esteem, the formation of destructive partnerships, and emotional rigidity. The empirical research has shown that loneliness in adulthood often has deep psychological roots, but one of the key ways to overcome it is to experience close relationships built on trust. These relationships become a kind of “healing space” in which a person can rethink their beliefs, experience emotional security, and find new meaning in their connections with others. In a close relationship, partners learn a new experience of trust through acceptance, self-disclosure, and confidence development; receive physical and emotional support; and learn to experience a state of emotional and physical safety. By gaining new relationship experiences, partners finally have the opportunity to heal from emotional isolation and become emotionally open and vulnerable again.
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