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Kannste Vergessen? – New episode online! “Loneliness, or: the politics of a feeling”

A new episode of the SFB 1280 podcast has been released – this time on a topic that only very vaguely touches on extinction learning, but is extremely relevant to society: loneliness. Fortunately, loneliness is a topic that many people are currently talking about – even politicians have recognized that loneliness is a relevant social, socio-political and health policy issue and not just an individual problem. Scientific research into the phenomenon of loneliness has also contributed to this. It’s time for us to address this topic too.
– And preferably in theory and practice! We have invited the ideal discussion partners for precisely this. Because at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, there is strong research into loneliness and a very special initiative against loneliness, which the SFB 1280 is supporting. Prof. Dr. Maike Luhmann is considered one of the most important German loneliness researchers and therefore regularly advises politicians. And our second guest, Ruhr University photographer Tim Kramer, together with his colleague Sonja Israel, has launched an initiative against loneliness that has struck a nerve: “eigen.” is the name of their association, which aims to bring loneliness out of the shadows and carries out very concrete actions to give lonely people occasions to talk about their loneliness or simply to be in regular company.

The SFB 1280 Ö project has supported and intensively accompanied the largest of the “eigen.” campaigns to date: The “eigen.regie” event on June 18, 2024 at Schauspielhaus Bochum – an almost sold-out evening event with live music, poetry slam and a panel discussion with prominent and committed people from the worlds of culture, politics, sport and science. And next to it: A whole week of workshops for a joint search for solutions on the occasion of the nationwide campaign week “Together against loneliness”, which was proclaimed by the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.

More about the podcast: >>
Direct link to the podcast episode: >> 

New Year, New Me: The Facts

As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).

Most common new years resolutions:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. Spend more time with family/friends (35%)

How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?

  • Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week. 
  • 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month. 
  • 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.

What makes resolutions stick?

Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.

The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all. 

Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.

So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.