The Structure of Pluralistic Ignorance In the Stigma of Loneliness: Evidence from General Adults and University Students In Japan

This research examined whether loneliness stigma reflects pluralistic ignorance. Across two Japanese samples (Ns = 591 and 104), participants rated loneliness less negatively themselves but assumed others held negative views—particularly toward distant others. These findings suggest loneliness stigma may be an illusory product of social misperception.