Work

Age differences in conceptualisations of loneliness: a qualitative exploration of youth perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Loneliness is a common experience during adolescence, yet little research has explored how loneliness is conceptualised and experienced according to adolescents at different stages of development. The current study examines the perspectives of young people aged 8–24 years on experiences of loneliness in youth. Arts-based workshops and focus groups (n = 145) were conducted to explore youths' perspectives on loneliness, youth were grouped according to age to examine differences between age groups. Thematic analyses were used to develop key themes across age groups, and similarities and differences were explored. Five overarching themes and 14 subthemes were developed including perceiving discrepancies in your relationships, lacking people you connect with, and unhelpful thinking styles. The experience and perceived causes of loneliness shift across developmental stages. Findings underscore the importance of age-sensitive approaches to understanding youth loneliness, highlighting how the nature of relationships involved in loneliness experiences vary with age.

Source: International Journal of Adolescence and Youth

DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2025.2573649

Authors: Lily Verity, Jennifer Y. F. Lau, Delia Fuhrmann, Laura Riddleston, Pamela Qualter

Institutions: University of Manchester, Queen Mary University of London, King's College London

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,226

Funder: UK Research and Innovation