Anneke Vedder

This doctoral dissertation explores the relationship between loneliness and grief. It systematically investigates the prevalence, assessment methods, and correlates of loneliness in the context of bereavement through a psychological lens while also incorporating insights from (geronto)sociological literature. Additionally, it empirically explores the temporal dynamics of loneliness and prolonged grief symptoms (PGS) in individuals, as well as how attachment orientations and feelings of loneliness together may shape (prolonged) grief.

The research was guided by several primary questions: What is the current empirical understanding of loneliness following the loss of a significant other in terms of its prevalence, time course, and risk factors? How has loneliness been operationalized in grief research? Furthermore, it examines whether emotional loneliness (EL) and social loneliness (SL) have distinct associations with PGS over time and how they relate to anxious and avoidant attachment. By addressing these gaps, the thesis aims to clarify the specific relational deficits that contribute to reduced well-being among the bereaved and provide an evidence-based foundation for targeted support systems and clinical interventions.