[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, 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. (30)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. It also found that every additional friend can decrease loneliness by about five percent, or 2. 5 fewer lonely days.
    Loneliness has been linked to health problems like depression and sleeping difficulties. (31)The researchers believe that knowing the causes of loneliness could help in reducing it. The researchers did not study how loneliness spreads. However, existing research offers some possibilities. Lonely people are often mistrustful of others. This behavior spreads from one person to another, along with the emotion responsible for it. (32)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.
30. Q: What did the study find about the spread of loneliness?
31. Q: According to the speaker, what can help decrease loneliness?
32. Q: According to the study, how can people stop the spread of loneliness?