We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Anthony Silard, Ph.D

During the current pandemic, almost all of us have become socially isolated. Even before the pandemic, loneliness had already become the suffering of our generation. According to a Cigna study released in January 2020 (before the pandemic), over three of every five Americans were lonely (as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale)—the highest level in recorded history.

Read more

During the current pandemic, almost all of us have become socially isolated. Even before the pandemic, loneliness had already become the suffering of our generation. According to a Cigna study released in January 2020 (before the pandemic), over three of every five Americans were lonely (as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale)—the highest level in recorded history.

Have you ever asked yourself these two questions: “Do I feel lonely sometimes?” and “Why?” As Dr. Anthony Silard has found in over a decade of research, we often feel lonely due to the stifling of three critical human motives.

In this cutting-edge course, Managing Loneliness: How to Develop Meaningful Relationships and Enduring Happiness, you will learn how to live by Spinoza’s wise advice: “Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it.” Together, we will gain a better understanding of loneliness so we suffer less from it.

The Managing Loneliness: How to Develop Meaningful Relationships and Enduring Happiness course will have 6 modules. Each module will contain numerous videos to guide you on your journey toward social connection by Dr. Anthony Silard, PowerPoint slides for your future reference, readings and a module workbook for you to develop your own Vision Statement and Action Plan to help you develop the robust and meaningful relationships you desire in your life – beginning with your relationship with yourself.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Develop the robust and meaningful relationships you desire in your life – beginning with your relationship with yourself.
  • Gain a better understanding of loneliness to suffer less from it.
  • Understand what loneliness is, how to manage it, and how to work through it to develop meaningful, sustainable relationships.
  • Create a life full of abundant, quality relationships and learn to leave feelings of loneliness in your past.
  • Learn how to develop and maintain meaningful, sustainable relationships for personal and professional success.

Syllabus

Module 1 | Understanding Loneliness

Course Introduction and Module 1, Session 1

Module 1 Session 2 | Loneliness is an Emotion
Module 1 Session 3 | Loneliness versus Solitude
Read more
Module 1 Session 4 | What Happens to You When You’re Lonely? | Part One
Module 1 Session 5 | What Happens to You When You’re Lonely? | Part Two
Module 1 Session 6 | Loneliness Dysregulates
Module 1 Session 7 | The Three Root Causes of Loneliness: The Need to Belong
Module 1 Session 8 The Three Root Causes of Loneliness: The Needs to Connect
Module 2 | Your Relationship Inventory
Module 2 Session 1 | Structural Loneliness
Module 2 Session 2 | Individualism and Loneliness
Module 2 Session 3 | Causes of Structural Loneliness: Making a Life Transition
Module 2 Session 4 | Managing Social Distance
Module 2 Session 5 | Causes of Structural Loneliness: Feeling Different
Module 2 Session 6 | Pining for a Specific Relationship
Module 2 Session 7 | Causes of Structural Loneliness: Rejection/Social Exclusion
Module 2 Session 8 | Balance Togetherness and Separateness
Module 3 Session 1 | Reconnect with Your Values
Module 3 Session 2 | Existential Loneliness
Module 3 Session 4 | Unshared Responsibility and Feeling Different from Others
Module 3 Session 5 | Existential Loneliness Can Produce Structural Loneliness
Module 3 Session 6 | Your Unanswerable Question
Module 3 Session 7 | Shifting Beliefs Can Result in Social Ostracism
Module 3 Session 8 | Set New Goals to Create Meaningful Relationships You Need
Module 4 | Session 1 | Loneliness and Coping
Module 4 Session 2 | Balancing Togetherness and Separateness | Part Two
Module 4 Session 3 | Loneliness as Victimizer or Catalyst?
Module 4 Session 4 | The Reaffiliation Motive
Module 4 Session 5 | The Add Model of Personal Development
Module 4 Session 6 | Cognitive Reappraisal
Module 4 Session 7 | How to Be Lonely without Becoming Depressed
Module 4 Session 8 | The Norm of Self-Interest and Cognitive Reappraisal
Module 5 Session 1 | Avoid Social Comparison
Module 5 Session 2 | Don’t Squander Your Inheritance
Module 5 Session 3 | Interactional Loneliness
Module 5 Session 4 | Causes of Interactional Loneliness: Early Neglect at Home
Module 5 Session 5 | Causes of Interactional Loneliness
Module 5 Session 6 | The Link between Technology and Loneliness | Part One
Module 5 Session 7 | The Link between Technology and Loneliness | Part Two
Module 5 Session 8 | The Link between Technology and Loneliness | Part Three
Module 6 Session 1 |
Module 6 Session 2 | Develop Your Social Gold
Module 6 Session 3 | Volunteer/Help Others
Module 6 Session 4 | Create or Join a Strengthening Community
Module 6 Session 5 | Confront Your Fear and Reach Out to Others
Module 6 Session 6 | Applying Your Three Unmet Needs to Developing Relationships
Module 6 Session 7 | The Communication Reciprocation Downgrade
Module 6 Session 8 | Recognize Love as it Emerges in Your Life

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Outlines specific strategies for managing loneliness and developing meaningful relationships
Taught by Anthony Silard, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with expertise in loneliness
Provides a scientific understanding of loneliness, its causes, and its effects
Applicable to individuals from all walks of life who experience loneliness
Includes practical exercises and activities to help learners apply the concepts
Provides a structured framework for understanding and addressing loneliness

Save this course

Save Managing Loneliness: How to Develop Meaningful Relationships to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Loneliness relief course with tips

Learners say that this course is well-received among beginners who want to learn more about developing meaningful relationships and overcoming loneliness. The course is easy to understand and provides engaging assignments that help learners retain information. The instructor, Sal Jade, is knowledgeable and engaging, making the learning experience enjoyable.
Lectures are enjoyable and easy to follow.
"very interesting, easy to follow, easy to understand."
"I like the way the course is set up."
"I've found the topics easy to remember so far"
Course is easy to understand with plenty of examples.
"good easy to understand"
"easy to understand and lots of examples"
"It was great course for beginners. simple to follow"
"Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured."
Sal Jade is an experienced teacher who knows her stuff.
"Sal's background as a teacher really shows in the way she structures her courses and in the way she produces the content."
"She makes the material engaging and easy to understand."
"She really knows her stuff and is a great resource for mastering the tarot!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing Loneliness: How to Develop Meaningful Relationships with these activities:
Review the Course Syllabus and Readings
Ensures you have a solid understanding of the course content and expectations, allowing you to engage more effectively from the start.
Browse courses on Loneliness
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus thoroughly
  • Review the required readings for the first module
Complete the Loneliness Scale
Provides a quantitative measure of your loneliness levels, allowing you to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Loneliness
Show steps
  • Go to the UCLA Loneliness Scale website
  • Complete the 20-item questionnaire
Review 'Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection'
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and consequences of loneliness, which will help you better understand the concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: The Nature of Loneliness
  • Read Chapter 2: The Causes of Loneliness
  • Read Chapter 3: The Consequences of Loneliness
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Watch TED Talks on Loneliness
Provides expert insights and perspectives on loneliness, broadening your understanding and offering practical strategies for coping and connecting with others.
Browse courses on Loneliness
Show steps
  • Search for TED Talks on loneliness
  • Watch and listen to the talks
  • Take notes and reflect on the key points
Write a Reflective Journal on Loneliness
Promotes self-awareness and encourages you to explore your experiences and feelings related to loneliness, deepening your understanding of its impact on your life.
Browse courses on Loneliness
Show steps
  • Find a quiet and comfortable place to reflect
  • Write about your experiences with loneliness
  • Explore your thoughts and feelings about loneliness
  • Identify patterns or themes in your experiences
Create a Social Connection Plan
Helps you identify and address areas where you may be lacking social connections, and develop strategies to improve your social well-being.
Browse courses on Social Connection
Show steps
  • Identify areas in your life where you feel lonely or isolated
  • Research and explore different ways to connect with others
  • Set realistic goals for increasing your social interactions
  • Take action and implement your plan
Join a Support Group for Loneliness
Offers a safe and supportive environment to connect with others who understand your experiences, share coping mechanisms, and provide encouragement.
Browse courses on Loneliness
Show steps
  • Research and find support groups in your area or online
  • Attend meetings and participate in discussions
  • Share your experiences and listen to others

Career center

Learners who complete Managing Loneliness: How to Develop Meaningful Relationships will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This course on managing loneliness can be highly beneficial for Mental Health Counselors as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping clients overcome loneliness and improve their overall well-being.
Social Worker
Social Workers help individuals, families, and communities navigate complex social and emotional challenges. This course on managing loneliness can be highly beneficial for Social Workers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping clients overcome loneliness and improve their overall well-being.
Psychologist
Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Psychologists, particularly those specializing in clinical psychology, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping Psychologists develop effective interventions for clients experiencing loneliness.
Geriatric Social Worker
Geriatric Social Workers provide support and services to older adults and their families. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Geriatric Social Workers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping Geriatric Social Workers support older adults who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Youth Counselor
Youth Counselors provide support and guidance to youth facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or family problems. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Youth Counselors as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping Youth Counselors support youth who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselors help individuals overcome addiction and maintain sobriety. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Addiction Counselors as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping clients overcome the social isolation and loneliness that often accompanies addiction.
Sociologist
Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Sociologists, particularly those specializing in social psychology or social interaction, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping Sociologists understand the social dynamics that contribute to loneliness.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop and implement programs to promote diversity and inclusion within organizations. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping Diversity and Inclusion Managers create more inclusive and welcoming workplaces.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Urban Planners as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the social and emotional factors that contribute to loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community can be particularly valuable in helping Urban Planners create more inclusive and livable spaces.
Mediator
Mediators facilitate and resolve conflicts between parties. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Mediators as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging can be particularly valuable in helping Mediators create a more positive and supportive environment for parties in conflict.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee and manage nonprofit organizations. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Nonprofit Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community can be particularly valuable in helping Nonprofit Managers create a more positive and supportive work environment for staff and volunteers.
Survey Researcher
Survey Researchers design and conduct surveys to collect data for research purposes. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Survey Researchers, particularly those specializing in social science research, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on understanding the emotional and social aspects of loneliness can help Survey Researchers develop more effective survey instruments and research designs.
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers oversee and manage inmates in correctional facilities. This course on managing loneliness can be useful for Correctional Officers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes, effects, and strategies for managing loneliness. The course's emphasis on developing meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community can be particularly valuable in helping Correctional Officers create a more positive and supportive environment for inmates.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers are vital healthcare professionals who focus on promoting health and well-being within communities. This course on managing loneliness can be useful in developing the interpersonal skills and understanding of social dynamics necessary for success in this role. The course's emphasis on building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community aligns well with the responsibilities of a Community Health Worker.
Health Educator
Health Educators use their knowledge of health and wellness to educate individuals and communities about healthy practices and behaviors. This course on managing loneliness provides Health Educators with valuable insights into the emotional and social aspects of health, which can be essential for effectively promoting well-being in others.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Managing Loneliness: How to Develop Meaningful Relationships.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and consequences of loneliness. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Explores the importance of relationships in our lives. It practical guide to building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Memoir of one woman's year-long quest to become happier. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking for ways to find joy and meaning in life.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser