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Cited by 50Health disparities and outcomesChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentPsychology and Mental Health

Adolescents’ and young adults’ experiences of loneliness and their thoughts about its alleviation

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Sundqvist, Amanda, Hemberg, Jessica·2021·International Journal of Adolescence and Youth
DOI 10.1080/02673843.2021.1908903
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Abstract

Society has undergone rapid changes over the last decade affecting adolescents and their mental health as well as experiences of loneliness. The aim of this study is to examine loneliness from adolescents’ and young adults’ perspectives. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with eleven (n = 11) Finnish adolescents and young adults aged 17–28 and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Two main themes and six subthemes were found. The main themes were: risk factors for loneliness and different ways of alleviating loneliness. Risk factors for involuntary loneliness were: social transitions, isolation, not having anyone to contact, group differences, social expectations, viewing other companionships, ill-being, negative emotions, former destructive experiences or a negative self-image. Preventive measures, effective coping strategies together with tertiary measures are depicted and discussed. Risk factors should be identified in order to be able to effectively and adequately address involuntary loneliness amongst adolescents and young adults.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Sundqvist, A., & Hemberg, J.
Affiliations
Åbo Akademi University (FI)
Corresponding author
Hemberg, Jessica
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Adolescence and Youth
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2021-01
Volume
26
Issue
1
Pages
238-255
ISSN
  • 0267-3843 (ISSN-L)
  • 2164-4527
DOI
10.1080/02673843.2021.1908903
OpenAlex
W3148758904
Cited by
50
References
6
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 6 · 2020: 1
FWCI
4.28
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of Adolescence and Youth (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Åbo Akademi University Research Portal (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Åbo Akademi University Research Portal (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Åbo Akademi University Research Portal (submittedVersion)
Funders
public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
Keywords
loneliness, adolescents, young adults, involuntary loneliness, risk factors, coping strategies, social transition, social isolation, social expectations, self-image, mental health, loneliness prevention

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