Loneliness among young people
Young people are at risk for loneliness. Continue scrolling to read key resources on loneliness among young people.
Mund et al. (2020)
The Stability and Change of Loneliness Across the Life Span: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Primary finding: The results of this review of 75 studies indicate that the rank order of loneliness is as stable as the rank order of personality traits and follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory across the life span. Regarding mean-level development, loneliness was found to decrease throughout childhood and to remain essentially stable from adolescence to oldest old age. Thus, in contrast to other personality characteristics, changes in loneliness are not generally related to age. Implications for theory are discussed.
Wong et al. (2018)
Peer social network processes and adolescent health behaviors: A systematic review
Theoretical Review
Primary finding: Based on behavioral and neuroimaging literature, the authors propose a developmental social neuroscience model to explain the heightened perception of loneliness in adolescents using social skills and attachment style as neurobiological moderators.
Montgomery et al. (2020)
Peer social network processes and adolescent health behaviors: A systematic review
Theoretical Review
Primary finding: From 55 eligible studies, the authors conclude that adolescents in denser networks had statistically significant lower levels of harmful behavior. Findings suggest that social network processes are important factors in adolescent health behaviors.
Li et al. (2015)
Editorial Perspective: Pathological social withdrawal during in adolescence: a culture-specific or a global phenomenon?
Editorial
Primary finding: There is very limited knowledge about social withdrawal among youth. In this editorial perspective, we highlight how youth social withdrawal is becoming a clinical and social concern in some parts of the world and respond to the lack of research on this issue by synthesizing some of the basic research findings, and suggesting future directions for research and practice relating to this emerging youth phenomenon in middle-and-high-income countries in the hope of bringing more attention to this issue.
de Lisjster et al. (2018)
Social and academic functioning in adolescents with anxiety disorders: A systematic review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Based on 19 studies, the authors conclude that adolescents with anxiety disorders experience a range of significant problems in both social and academic functioning. These findings suggest that the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in adolescence should focus on improving functioning across domains.
Achterbergh et al. (2020)
The experience of loneliness among young people with depression: a qualitative meta-synthesis of the literature
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Based on 14 studies, the authors identified non-disclosure of depression, and the debilitating nature of the depressive symptomatology, as factors perpetuating a vicious cycle of loneliness and depression. They suggest that approaches to tackling the problem might include helping young people communicate about their depression to trusted friends and educating their social networks in how to support them. The authors note that the wider research literature suggests that cognitive interventions may have a role in shifting maladaptive cognitions about their social world.
Weldrick et al. (2018)
Social Isolation in Later Life: Extending the Conversation
Systematic Review
Primary finding: As Canada's population continues to age, social isolation among older people is a growing concern and national-level priority. Although much is known about individual-level risks and negative health outcomes associated with social isolation in later life, the impact of life course trajectories and the more collective experiences are seldom considered. Current definitions and program responses tend to rely on individualized approaches to social isolation. Here, we argue that the conversation be extended to consider the social and cultural aspects of social isolation among older people. Specifically, we suggest that definitions and approaches consider three particular dimensions: temporal factors, spatial factors, and the relationship between social isolation and exclusion. Doing so, we argue, would result in a more inclusive approach to social isolation in late life, and the development of capacity to address social isolation among a wide range of older people, particularly the needs of vulnerable or marginalized groups.