Loneliness, Jaskiran Shergill

Loneliness

Jaskarin Shergill

Loneliness is an experience many adolescents face. Loneliness encompasses two concepts: a companion's physical absence and grief because of a lack of companionship (Laursen and Hartl, 1261). Loneliness is social separation, understood through physical isolation (Laursen and Hartl, 1261). Also, loneliness can be perceived as social isolation (Laursen and Hartl, 1261). Humans are sociable beings, and more households are becoming smaller units. Smaller families mean that adolescents may be isolated a lot when they are at home. Loneliness has many adverse effects ranging from mental health and feelings of isolation. Adolescents often have an increased risk of facing physical isolation. They also face increasing chances that these experiences appear as social isolation and loneliness (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). Social isolation refers to a lack of social interaction, which can happen when others are around, and there are no relationships. (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). Unwelcome social separation is isolation or loneliness (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). It is still being determined how brain development contributes to the emergence of loneliness during adolescents (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). Adolescents' young age means it is essential for them to interact with their peers. Long periods of isolation will negatively affect them and result in them being continuously isolated from others.

When adolescents' social interactions fall short of expectations, loneliness can be interpreted as an unpleasant feeling (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). Loneliness is characterized by a perception of separation instead of isolation (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). Adolescents may feel lonely even while surrounded by others, especially if they believe they have nothing in common (Laursen and Hartl, 1262). Loneliness typically coexists with various mental health issues, especially sadness and anxiety (Laursen and Hartl, 1262).

Many adolescents experience loneliness, and these adolescents have a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse mental health outcomes, such as sadness, stress, and self-harm (Matthews & Shuttleworth, 2022). However, more extended periods of loneliness did not seem to add to a heavier burden on mental health (Matthews & Shuttleworth, 2022). Adolescents who had experienced loneliness had graduated from high school with unsatisfactory grades (Matthews & Shuttleworth, 2022). Researchers studying loneliness in adolescents found that lonely young adults struggle to find employment (Matthews & Shuttleworth, 2022). Adolescents may struggle during and after school due to loneliness impacting their mental health.

While addressing loneliness in adolescents is important because it is linked to several mental health issues. The school environment may be essential for developing interventions for this age. Not addressing loneliness in adolescents will negatively impact mental health and education. It is essential to understand the impact of loneliness on adolescents to help them manage their emotions and experiences.

References

Laursen, B., & Hartl, A. C. (2013). Understanding loneliness during adolescents: Developmental changes that increase the risk of perceived social isolation. Journal of adolescents, 36(6), 1261-1268.

Matthews, T., & Shuttleworth, C. (2022, May 10). The long shadow of loneliness in adolescents

— Inspire the Mind. Inspire the Mind. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.inspirethemind.org/blog/the-long-shadow-of-loneliness-in-adolescents