Health · Mental Health · 2 hrs ago
Loneliness is most closely linked to poorer mental health in Brazil
A survey of 4,601 people across Brazil found that loneliness was most closely linked to poorer mental health among the factors it measured.
More than one-third of respondents felt lonely, and people who felt lonely three or more times had much lower mental health scores than those who did not report loneliness.
The survey cannot show whether loneliness causes mental distress or results from it, and researchers say the link likely works both ways.
People who had met friends recently had higher mental health scores than those who had not.
Researchers say reducing loneliness also depends on access to places and activities where people can connect, such as safe parks, community spaces and free leisure options.
A family medicine specialist says loneliness should be part of public policy and discussed in medical consultations because it is linked to physical and mental health problems.
A Brazilian survey found loneliness was the factor most closely associated with poorer mental health.
The study found that 36.5% of Brazilians experienced loneliness.
People who felt lonely three or more times during the survey period had an average mental health score of 383, compared with 782 among those who did not report loneliness.
Meeting friends was associated with a higher score: 737 among those who had met friends in the previous two weeks, compared with 539 among those who had not.
Researchers said the findings cannot establish whether loneliness causes mental distress or results from it.
- Who
- The survey interviewed 4,601 people across Brazil.
- What
- It found loneliness was most closely associated with poorer mental health, while spending time with friends was the main protective factor.
- When
- The online survey took place between April and June 2026.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- The survey examined factors associated with mental health; it does not establish whether loneliness causes distress or is a consequence of it.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Panorama da Saúde Mental survey has been conducted annually.
The online survey interviewed 4,601 people across Brazil.
The survey examined loneliness for the first time and reported a national average mental health score of 671.
Folha published its report on the survey findings.
- Survey respondents
- 4,601 people
- Share experiencing loneliness
- 36.5%
- National mental health score
- 671 points
- Score for those lonely three or more times
- 383 points
- Score for those not reporting loneliness
- 782 points
- Score after meeting friends in previous two weeks
- 737 points, compared with 539 among those who had not met friends
What people are saying
Uma saúde mental inferior tende a levar mais à solidão, e o estado de solidão também afeta a saúde mental
A pessoa tem autonomia de fazer ou não, mas tem que ter ofertas e possibilidades para escolher
Uma pessoa pode morar sozinha e ter vínculos fortes, outra pode estar cercada de gente e sentir que não tem com quem contar