LONELINESS IN A MAXIMUM-SECURITY FORENSIC HOSPITAL - AN EXPERIENCE SAMPLING ANALYSIS

This study investigated correlates of loneliness in 25 incarcerated ps ychiatric patients in a maximum-security hospital to clarify relations between loneliness and other contextual and interpersonal variables. Forensic inpatients reported the greatest frequency of loneliness and negative emotional states when they were alone. Significant positive c orrelations were found between reported loneliness and subjective vari ables such as rejection, helplessness, worthlessness, and anxiety A si gnificant negative correlation was found between reported loneliness a nd sociability. Patients reported the greatest frequency of loneliness during leisure-type activities. Leisure time was filled with activiti es, such as television watching, that did not make people feel sociabl e but instead fostered negative emotional states. The findings indicat e that activities that are goal-directed and enhance sense of worth de crease feelings of helplessness and worthlessness. Unexpectedly report ed loneliness was not related to any of the personality measures used, suggesting that the subjective experience of loneliness may not be re lated to personality traits.