Work

Does Being an Only Child Mean Being Lonely? Source of Loneliness in Adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of family structure on adolescent loneliness in the context of China's one-child and two-child policies. Despite the known physical and mental health consequences of adolescent loneliness and the importance of family factors, research on the role of family structure remains limited. Participants (n = 3312, ages 10-19) were drawn from 32 schools in China using class-based cluster sampling. Network analysis was employed to compare loneliness between only children and non-only children, and multiple linear regression predicted loneliness based on family structure and its interactions with key demographic variables. Results indicate that loneliness differs between only children and non-only children, and being sensitive to withdrawal is a key source of loneliness for only children. However, this process can be moderated by factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status. The findings have implications for both academic research and practical interventions addressing adolescent loneliness.

Source: International Journal of Psychology

DOI: 10.1002/ijop.70132

Authors: Wenli Tao, Yue Yu

Institutions: Beijing Normal University, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, China University of Political Science and Law

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: China University of Political Science and Law, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities