necessarily meaning that people are more lonely but that maybe the time constraints or for parents of young children, the transition means that that also comes with re-jigging of their social world. MS: It can be a very busy and taxing time in terms of energy and the amount of time left you've got to interact with other people, can't it? DB: That is right - and a lack of sleep. You might have gone to the movies before you had children, but having to look after children means a DVD at home with you or you and your partner, rather than with your mates. The presence of children may also be bringing added financial pressure which was identified as a risk factor. Belt tightening might be easier when it is the individual who has to forgo something, but telling your kids that they have to miss out may not be as easy, leading to finances being over stretched. MS: I suppose, in parenthesis, that the joys of parenthood would more than offset that period where you might be more prone to loneliness. DB: Yes. As a parent myself, people often the comment that I'm tired but isn't it a joy having children. And it is, but I guess there are more extremes; more joys potentially, but also greater risks of loneliness, as we discovered. MS: One of the most interesting things that's going on and that has really taken off in the time covered by the study is the