[originaltext] A newly published study has shown that loneliness can spread

A newly published study has shown that loneliness can spread from one person to another, like a disease. University of Chicago psychologist John Brown led the recent study. He and other researchers attempted to show how often people felt lonely. They found that the feeling of loneliness spread through social groups. Having a social connection with a lonely person increased the chances that another individual would feel lonely. In fact, a friend of a lonely person was 52% more likely to develop feelings of loneliness. A friend of that person was 25% more likely. The researchers say this shows that a person could indirectly be affected by someone’s loneliness. The effect was strongest among friends. Neighbors were the second most affected group. The effect was weaker on husbands and wives, and brothers and sisters. The researchers also found that loneliness spread more easily among women than men. The New York Times newspaper reports that, on average, people experience feelings of loneliness about 48 days a year. Yet the study found that having a friend who is lonely can add about 17 days a year of loneliness. Loneliness has been linked to health problems like depression and sleeping difficulties. John Brown and his colleagues believe that knowing the causes of loneliness could help in reducing it. The study suggests that people can take steps to stop the spread of loneliness. They can do this by helping individuals they know who may be experiencing loneliness. The result can be helpful to the whole social group.
16. What does the newly published research find?
17. Who are most likely to be affected by loneliness?
18. What does The New York Times newspaper find?
19. What can people do to stop the spread of loneliness?