Study: Loneliness is Contagious

[KMSP-TV, December 01, 2009] For many this time of year can be festive and heart warming, but for some it can be downright lonely. According to a new study, loneliness spreads across time through behavior. It is like a person infecting you with their negative attitude or energy.

Allina Psychologist Alan Steed says the loneliness study passes the credibility test. "If you and I were friends and all of a sudden you begin to withdraw, I might begin to wonder what I did to cause that,” said Steed. “I might lose my confidence in my ability to maintain friends."