MONDAY, June 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, experts have worried that social distancing and stay-at-home orders would lead to a surge in loneliness. But a new U.S. study suggests it has not played out that way.
In a national survey, researchers found that one month into state lockdowns, Americans were no more likely to feel isolated and lonely than they were pre-COVID-19. In fact, people often said they felt more connected to others.
The findings, researchers said, are a measure of how well people have adjusted during the pandemic.
"It's always interesting to be proven wrong," said psychologist James Maddux, referring to expert forecasts that loneliness would increase, possibly dramatically.
Maddux, who was not involved in the study,...