Philosophical Approach to Loneliness Yields new Insight into Treatments Valeria Motta argues for a phenomenological philosophical approach to studying loneliness that focuses on in-depth lived experience. Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology examines various ways to understand loneliness as a part of human experience. Valeria Motta, a doctoral researcher in philosophy at the University of Birmingham, suggests an approach that considers the lived experience of time, embodiment, and attention as fundamental dimensions of loneliness. She approaches the issue through the lens of phenomenological philosophy, or the study of in-depth lived experience. “There are good reasons to clarify the concept of loneliness. Loneliness has adverse effects on physical and mental health. It is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in humans. Loneliness can be transient—a consequence of going through external circumstances—like the loneliness that results from a bereavement, a change of city or social circles, or distance from friends, family or partners,” Motta writes.