Mister Lonely: The Male Struggle with Social Connectedness and Friendship in an Increasingly Isolating World

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dc.contributor.authorSullivan, Seamus
dc.date.accessioned2025-08-11T22:06:46Z
dc.date.available2025-08-11T22:06:46Z
dc.date.issued2025-03
dc.description.abstractThis Capstone project examines the epidemic of male loneliness and isolation in contemporary Western societies. Supported by extensive literature, the Capstone discusses the root causes and influencing factors of the issue, explores the individual and societal-level consequences, and offers preventative and intervention-based solutions. Numerous North American studies reveal that friendship networks are shrinking and the amount of time that people spend alone is increasing, contributing to a growing phenomenon of social disconnectedness. These trends are especially pronounced, and concerning, for cisgender, heterosexual males, who are generally less likely to form, maintain and prioritize close friendships. A plethora of evidence demonstrates that friendships provide a multitude of emotional and psychological benefits, while unmet social needs – due to severe isolation, superficial connections, or narrow personal networks, for instance – lead to a range of negative mental and physical health impacts. Moreover, research shows the effects of male loneliness extend beyond individual well-being to broader societal consequences such as community fragmentation, the rise of ideological extremism and increased violence. This project analyzes the psychological and cultural factors that perpetuate male social disconnectedness, while encouraging a societal shift towards nurturing and normalizing emotional literacy, vulnerability and interpersonal skills in boys, starting from an early age. For individuals with friendship deficits, practical interventions are presented, with particular attention paid to group therapy and community initiatives that promote social connection among men. By shedding light on the various critical dynamics at play, this Capstone emphasizes the need for significant changes in how boys' and men’s social connectedness is valued, supported and assessed.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/4568
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.institutionCity University of Seattle (CityU)
dc.subjectmen
dc.subjectfriendship
dc.subjectgroup therapy
dc.subjectloneliness
dc.subjectmale
dc.subjectmental health
dc.subjectsocial connectedness
dc.subjectisolation
dc.subjectvulnerability
dc.subjectboys
dc.titleMister Lonely: The Male Struggle with Social Connectedness and Friendship in an Increasingly Isolating World
dc.typeCapstone
thesis.degree.disciplineCounselling
thesis.degree.grantorCity University of Seattle (CityU)
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Counselling
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