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Krokstad MA, Sund E, Rangul V, Bauman A, Olsson C, Bjerkeset O. Secular trends in risk factors for adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms: the Young-HUNT studies 1995-2019, Norway. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02373-2. [PMID: 38578474 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, increases in mental health problems in adolescents have been reported from several large population-based surveys. This raises questions about changes in underlying risk and protective factors that can inform future intervention strategies. Population data were collected from 1995 to 2019 in three waves of the Young-HUNT studies in Norway to map decennial trends in the prevalence of established risk factors for, and their associations with, adolescent mental health problems. All adolescents (aged 13-19 years) attending lower and upper secondary school in the county of Trøndelag were invited, representing three historical cohorts of 25,245 unique adolescents. Mental health problems (HSCL-5) and established mental health risk factors were self-reported. Using a generalized linear model and linear regression, we calculated changes in relative and absolute differences between risk factors and mental health problems. Overall, the prevalence of established risk factors for mental health problems in adolescence increased markedly between 1995 and 2019, especially in girls. Prominent increases were observed for fatigue, bullying, musculoskeletal pain and migraine, loneliness, and overweight. Furthermore, with the exception of excess alcohol use and family economy, associations between each risk factor and adolescent mental health problems strengthened over the same time span in girls, but less among boys. Our findings suggest that several modifiable risk factors for poor mental health in adolescence are increasing, especially among girls, and should be targeted in community, school, and in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Austheim Krokstad
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Nord Universitet-Levanger Campus, Levanger, Norway.
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Erik Sund
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Nord Universitet-Levanger Campus, Levanger, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, HUNT Research Centre, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
- Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
| | - Vegar Rangul
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, HUNT Research Centre, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Craig Olsson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Victoria, Parkville, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ottar Bjerkeset
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing, Nord Universitet-Levanger Campus, Levanger, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Madsen KR, Damsgaard MT, Petersen K, Qualter P, Holstein BE. Bullying at School, Cyberbullying, and Loneliness: National Representative Study of Adolescents in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:414. [PMID: 38673326 PMCID: PMC11050631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to examine how loneliness was associated with bullying victimization at school and online. METHODS We used data from the Danish arm of the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from 2022. The study population was a nationally representative sample of 11-15-year-olds who completed the internationally standardized HBSC questionnaire at school, n = 5382. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study the associations between bullying victimization and loneliness. RESULTS The prevalence of reporting loneliness often or very often was 9.0%; 6.3% of the sample experienced habitual bullying victimization at school, and 4.8% incurred cyberbullying. There was a strong and graded association between loneliness and bullying victimization at school and cyberbullying. The associations were significant for boys and girls, and the association between exposure to bullying at school and loneliness was steeper for boys than girls. The gradients were steeper for physical bullying than for cyberbullying. Students exposed to habitual bullying in both contexts had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 11.21 (6.99-17.98) for loneliness. CONCLUSION Exposure to bullying at school and cyberbullying are strongly associated with loneliness. It is important to reduce bullying at school and on the internet and to promote effective interventions to reduce continuing loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Rich Madsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | - Mogens Trab Damsgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 5AN, UK;
| | - Bjørn E. Holstein
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark; (K.R.M.); (M.T.D.)
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Alam I, Khayri E, Podger TAB, Aspinall C, Fuhrmann D, Lau JYF. A call for better research and resources for understanding and combatting youth loneliness: integrating the perspectives of young people and researchers. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:939-942. [PMID: 36577906 PMCID: PMC9797107 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Alam
- Psychology Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ezekiel Khayri
- Psychology Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Caitlin Aspinall
- Youth Resilience Unit, Centre for Psychiatry and Mental Health, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Delia Fuhrmann
- Psychology Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Y F Lau
- Youth Resilience Unit, Centre for Psychiatry and Mental Health, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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Kiuru N, Salmela-Aro K, Laursen B, Vasalampi K, Beattie M, Tunkkari M, Junttila N. Profiles of Loneliness and Ostracism During Adolescence: Consequences, Antecedents, and Protective Factors. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01664-8. [PMID: 38337110 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01664-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
This longitudinal study (N = 1078, 46% boys; 54% girls) examined profiles of loneliness and ostracism during adolescence and their consequences and antecedents. Longitudinal latent profiles analyses identified four distinct profiles: (1) High emotional loneliness (25%), High and increasing social loneliness (15%), High peer exclusion and high social impact (9%) and No peer problems (51%). Subsequent internalizing problems were typical for the High and increasing social loneliness profile and externalizing problems for the High emotional loneliness and High peer exclusion and high social impact profiles. Furthermore, effortful control, prosocial skills, and relationship quality with parents and teachers were highest in the No peer problems profile, whereas the High and increasing social loneliness profile had the lowest self-esteem and was characterized by low surgency/extraversion, high affiliativeness, and high negative affectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noona Kiuru
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
| | | | | | - Kati Vasalampi
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | | | - Mari Tunkkari
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Niina Junttila
- University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
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Halladay J, Sunderland M, Chapman C, Repchuck R, Georgiades K, Boak A, Hamilton HA, Slade T. Examining temporal trends in psychological distress and the co-occurrence of common substance use in a population-based sample of grade 7-12 students from 2013 to 2019. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02619-z. [PMID: 38311705 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Characterizing trends and correlates of adolescent psychological distress is important due to observed global increases over the last 20 years. Substance use is a commonly discussed correlate, though we lack an understanding about how co-occurrence of these concerns has been changing over time. METHODS Data came from repeated, representative, cross-sectional surveys of grade 7-12 students across Ontario, Canada conducted biennially from 2013 to 2019. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to examine changes in the joint association between psychological distress (operationalized as Kessler-6 [K6] scores ≥ 13) and substance use over time. Weighted prevalence ratios (PR) and their 99% confidence intervals were estimated, where p < 0.01 denotes statistical significance. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress doubled between 2013 and 2019, with adjusted increases of about 1.2 times each survey year. This biennial increase did not differ based on sex, perceived social standing, school level, or any substance use. Students using substances consistently reported a higher prevalence of psychological distress (between 1.2 times and 2.7 times higher). There were similarly no differential temporal trends based on substance use for very high distress (K6 ≥ 19) or K6 items explored individually. CONCLUSION Psychological distress steeply increased among adolescents and substance use remains important to assess and address alongside distress. However, the magnitude of temporal increases appears to be similar for adolescents reporting and not reporting substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Halladay
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - M Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - C Chapman
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - R Repchuck
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - K Georgiades
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - A Boak
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - H A Hamilton
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - T Slade
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Smith L, López Sánchez GF, Pizzol D, Yon DK, Oh H, Kostev K, Gawronska J, Rahmati M, Butler L, Barnett Y, Ball G, Shin JI, Koyanagi A. Global time trends of perceived loneliness among adolescents from 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. J Affect Disord 2024; 346:192-199. [PMID: 37952907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perceived loneliness in adolescence is associated with a plethora of adverse outcomes. However, data on its temporal trends are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to examine the temporal trend of perceived loneliness among school-going adolescents aged 12-15 years from 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where temporal trends of loneliness are largely unknown. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2003-2017 were analyzed. Perceived loneliness referred to feeling lonely most of the time or always in the past 12 months. Crude linear trends of perceived loneliness by country were assessed by linear regression models. RESULTS Data on 180,087 adolescents aged 12-15 years were analyzed [Mean (SD) age 13.7 (1.0) years; 51.4 % females]. The overall prevalence of perceived loneliness was 10.7 %. Among the 28 countries included in the study, significant increasing and decreasing trends were observed in six counties each, with stable trends found in 16 countries. The most drastic increase and decrease were observed in Egypt between 2006 (7.9 %) and 2011 (14.3 %), and in Samoa between 2011 (23.3 %) and 2017 (8.0 %), respectively. Stable trends with high prevalence across time were also common. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that perceived loneliness among adolescents is a global phenomenon, which has seen little improvement if any in recent years. It would be prudent to implement nationwide policies to combat loneliness globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Smith
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guillermo F López Sánchez
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Damiano Pizzol
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hans Oh
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Julia Gawronska
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran; Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-E-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Laurie Butler
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yvonne Barnett
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham Ball
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Severance Underwood Meta-research Center, Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Jefferson R, Barreto M, Jones F, Conway J, Chohan A, Madsen KR, Verity L, Petersen KJ, Qualter P. Adolescent loneliness across the world and its relation to school climate, national culture and academic performance. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 93:997-1016. [PMID: 37248510 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness during adolescence has adverse consequences for mental health, education and employment outcomes. Yet, we know little about common correlates of loneliness among adolescents, making intervention work difficult. AIMS In this study, we (1) explore individual-, school- and country-level correlates of loneliness to help identify potential intervention targets, and (2) examine the influence of loneliness on academic performance. SAMPLE A total of 518,210 students aged 15 years from 75 countries provided self-reported loneliness data. RESULTS Using multilevel modelling, we found individual-, school- and country-level correlates of self-reported school-based loneliness, and showed that loneliness negatively influenced academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, interventions that focus on enhancing social and emotional skills, increasing trust between teachers and students and changing school climate to be more inclusive are likely to be the most effective for adolescents; they should also be culturally sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jefferson
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Frederick Jones
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jasmine Conway
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Aishwarya Chohan
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katrine Rich Madsen
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lily Verity
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Parlikar N, Kvaløy K, Strand LB, Espnes GA, Moksnes UK. Loneliness in the Norwegian adolescent population: prevalence trends and relations to mental and self-rated health. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:895. [PMID: 38037032 PMCID: PMC10688064 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness has become a significant public health problem and should be addressed with more research over a broader period. This study investigates the variations in the prevalence of loneliness among a nationally representative study population of Norwegian adolescents over the last three decades and whether age, gender, self-rated health, and mental distress are associated with these changes. METHODS Adolescents aged 13-19 years completed the structured and validated questionnaires from the three waves of the Young-HUNT Study: 1995-1997, 2006-2008, and 2017-2019. Loneliness was measured with one item asking, 'Are you lonely?'. Hopkins Symptom Checklist-5 was used to measure mental distress (cut-off ≥ 2). Self-rated health was assessed by a single question 'How is your health at the moment?' Measures were provided by self-report. Descriptive analyses were stratified by age, gender, self-rated health, and mental distress. Linear-by-Linear association test across survey years was performed to test time trends of loneliness. Logistic regression was used to analyze the cross-sectional associations of self-rated health and mental distress with loneliness, adjusting for sociodemographic factors in all three waves of Young-HUNT. RESULTS Loneliness prevalence doubled from 5.9% in 1995/97 to 10.2% in 2017/19 in the total population sample. The highest loneliness prevalence and an increase from 8.9% in 1995/97 to 16.7% in 2017/19 was observed in girls of 16-19 years. Among mentally distressed adolescents, loneliness increased from 22.3% in 1995/97 to 32.8% in 2006/08 and lowered to 27% in 2017/19. Increasing loneliness prevalence was seen in those with poor self-rated health, i.e., 14.6% in 1995-97 and 26.6% in 2017-19. Mental distress and poor self-rated health were associated with higher odds of loneliness in each wave (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The results highlight the increasing burden of loneliness in the Norwegian adolescent population, especially girls. Those with mental distress and poor self-rated health have a higher risk of experiencing loneliness. Thus, health-promoting upbringing environments for children and adolescents that support mutual affinity, social support, integration, and belongingness in adolescents' daily arenas are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Parlikar
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Kirsti Kvaløy
- HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
- Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
- Centre for Sami Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Linn Beate Strand
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Arild Espnes
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Unni Karin Moksnes
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Rahman MA, Kundu S, Christopher E, Ahinkorah BO, Okyere J, Uddin R, Mahumud RA. Emerging burdens of adolescent psychosocial health problems: a population-based study of 202 040 adolescents from 68 countries. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e188. [PMID: 37840318 PMCID: PMC10617497 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial health problems are major public health burdens for adolescents. Identifying risk factors is essential to containing negative health implications. AIMS This study aimed to estimate the burden of psychosocial health problems among adolescents, and identify potential risk and protective factors. METHOD We used the Global School-based Student Health Survey data from 68 countries across six World Health Organization regions. We computed the overall, national- and regional-level weighted estimates of the mean number of psychosocial health problems. Adjusted Poisson regression models examined the factors associated with psychosocial health problems. RESULTS Our sample totalled 202 040 adolescents aged 11-17 years (mean age 14.6 [s.d. 1.18] years), composed of 95 589 (47.31%) boys and 104 191 (51.57%) girls (2260 (1.12%) missing answers). Samoa had the highest mean number of psychosocial health problems (mean 2.64 [s.d. 1.41]), and Niue had the lowest (mean 0.33 [s.d. 0.72]). In the pooled analysis, the following factors were associated with higher rates of psychosocial health problems in adolescents globally: ≥13 years of age, being female, experiencing food insecurity, experiencing physical violence, having been bullied, engagement in physical altercation, experiencing serious injury, missing school without parental permission, lack of parental support or monitoring, parents who were not understanding of their child's problems and high sedentary behaviour. Being female, food insecurity, bullying, physical attacks or serious injury were all significantly associated with higher rates of psychosocial health problems in each of the six regions separately. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of psychosocial health problems is high among adolescents, although there are country-level variations. Health promotion strategies should consider the identified factors to promote adolescents' health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satyajit Kundu
- Global Health Institute, North South University, Bangladesh; and Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh
| | - Enryka Christopher
- Trauma and Community Resilience Center, Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Riaz Uddin
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- Health Economics and Health Technology Unit, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
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Schütz R, Bilz L. [Loneliness in childhood and adolescence. On the prevalence of a mental health risk factor among 11- to 15-year-old German students]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03728-x. [PMID: 37261459 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03728-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is an increasingly present topic in both public and scientific discourse. There is increasing research on the prevalence of loneliness and health-related correlates in adults. However, there are only a few findings on loneliness in childhood and adolescence in Germany. Therefore, this study aims to present findings on the prevalence of loneliness among 11- to 15-year-old German students and examines associations with socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study is a global research collaboration under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). In the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany, the study collected data from 3819 children and adolescents in grades 5, 7, and 9 (Mage = 13.5, SD = 1.6) at schools for general education. Loneliness was assessed using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale and a single item. RESULTS Of the respondents, 13.2% reported feeling lonely most of the time and 3.6% always. Loneliness was more prevalent among girls and non-binary students, as well as among older students and children and adolescents of lower socioeconomic status. DISCUSSION The findings indicate that loneliness is a widespread phenomenon among children and adolescents. The result that girls, older pupils and children, and adolescents with lower family wealth report feeling lonelier is consistent with findings from other countries and provides starting points for planning prevention measures. Further research is needed in Germany on possible health-related correlates of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schütz
- Institut für Gesundheit, Fakultät für Soziale Arbeit, Gesundheit und Musik, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Universitätsplatz 1, 01968, Senftenberg, Deutschland.
| | - Ludwig Bilz
- Institut für Gesundheit, Fakultät für Soziale Arbeit, Gesundheit und Musik, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Universitätsplatz 1, 01968, Senftenberg, Deutschland
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Goodfellow C, Willis M, Inchley J, Kharicha K, Leyland AH, Qualter P, Simpson S, Long E. Mental health and loneliness in Scottish schools: A multilevel analysis of data from the health behaviour in school-aged children study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 93:608-625. [PMID: 36683467 PMCID: PMC10952245 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent loneliness and poor mental health represent dual public health concerns. Yet, associations between loneliness and mental health, and critically, how these associations vary in school settings are less understood. AIMS Framed by social-ecological theory, we aimed to identify key predictors of adolescent mental health and examine school-level variation in the relationship between loneliness and mental health. SAMPLE Cross-sectional data on adolescents from the 2018 wave of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (HBSC) in Scotland were used (N = 5286). METHODS Mental health was measured as a composite variable containing items assessing nervousness, irritability, sleep difficulties and feeling low. Loneliness was measured via a single item assessing how often adolescents felt 'left out'. Multilevel models were used to identify social-ecological predictors of mental health, associations with loneliness and between-school variation. RESULTS Loneliness, as well as demographic, social and school factors, was found to be associated with mental health. Mental health varied across schools, with the between-school difference greater among adolescents with high levels of loneliness. Additionally, the negative effect of loneliness on mental health was stronger in schools with lower average mental health scores. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that schools can play an important role in shaping adolescent mental health. Our study uniquely identifies that school-based interventions targeting mental health may be especially necessary among lonely adolescents, and programmes aimed at tackling loneliness may be more beneficial in schools with poorer mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Goodfellow
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Malachi Willis
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Joanna Inchley
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Kalpa Kharicha
- Campaign to End Loneliness part of What Works Centre for WellbeingLondonUK
| | - Alastair H. Leyland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of EducationUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sharon Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Emily Long
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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Swader CS, Moraru AV. Social Infrastructure and the Alleviation of Loneliness in Europe. KOLNER ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SOZIOLOGIE UND SOZIALPSYCHOLOGIE 2023:1-28. [PMID: 37360992 PMCID: PMC10158682 DOI: 10.1007/s11577-023-00883-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, individualist societies, in which people more highly value independence, have fewer people who are lonely. Yet these societies also have more people who live alone, a strong determinant of loneliness. Evidence suggests that some unrecognized societal-level resources or characteristics can explain this. We uncover multiple pathways toward a lower degree of loneliness among European societies using an ideal method for this purpose, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Using data from the 2014 wave of the European Social Survey and other sources, we analyzed loneliness outcomes among 26 European societies. Our findings suggest two necessary conditions for a low degree of loneliness: high internet access and high association participation. Further, three pathways are sufficient for achieving less loneliness at the societal level. Most societies that have less loneliness follow both the welfare support and cultural support pathways. The third path, commercial provision, is mutually exclusive with welfare support because the former requires a weak welfare state. The surest policy for building societies that have lower rates of loneliness includes the expansion of internet accessibility, the fostering of civil society through association participation and volunteering, and a welfare state that protects potentially vulnerable populations while funding opportunities for social interaction. This article further contributes methodologically by demonstrating "configurational robustness testing," a more comprehensive means to implement current best practices for fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis robustness testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreea-Valentina Moraru
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Institute for European Ethnology and Cultural Analysis, Oettingenstr. 67, 80538 Munich, Germany
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13
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Jefferson R, Barreto M, Verity L, Qualter P. Loneliness During the School Years: How It Affects Learning and How Schools Can Help . THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:428-435. [PMID: 36861756 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial evidence links loneliness to poor academic outcomes and poor employment prospects. Schools have been shown to be places that mitigate or aggravate loneliness, suggesting a need to consider how schools can better support youth experiencing loneliness. METHODS We conducted a narrative review on loneliness in childhood and adolescence to examine the literature on how loneliness changes over the school years and how it influences learning. We also examined whether there were increases in loneliness because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated school closures, and whether schools can be places for loneliness interventions/prevention. FINDINGS Studies describe how loneliness becomes more prevalent during the adolescent years and why that is the case. Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes and poor health behaviors that impact learning or turn students away from education. Research shows that loneliness increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that creating positive social classroom environments, where teacher and classmate support are available, is crucial in combatting youth loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Adaptations to the school climate can be made to meet the needs of all students, reducing loneliness. Investigation of the impacts of school-based loneliness prevention/intervention is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jefferson
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Lily Verity
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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14
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Alam I, Khayri E, Podger TAB, Aspinall C, Fuhrmann D, Lau JYF. A call for better research and resources for understanding and combatting youth loneliness: integrating the perspectives of young people and researchers. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:371-374. [PMID: 36652017 PMCID: PMC9846658 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02127-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Alam
- Psychology Department, King's College London, London, England
| | - Ezekiel Khayri
- Psychology Department, King's College London, London, England
| | | | - Caitlin Aspinall
- Youth Resilience Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, England
| | - Delia Fuhrmann
- Psychology Department, King's College London, London, England
| | - Jennifer Y F Lau
- Youth Resilience Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, England.
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15
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Rahman MA, Renzaho AMN, Kundu S, Awal MA, Ashikuzzaman M, Fan L, Ahinkorah BO, Okyere J, Kamara JK, Mahumud RA. Prevalence and factors associated with chronic school absenteeism among 207,107 in-school adolescents: Findings from cross-sectional studies in 71 low-middle and high-income countries. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283046. [PMID: 37163492 PMCID: PMC10171665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the negative impact of chronic school absenteeism on the psychological and physical health of adolescents, data on the burden of adolescent chronic school absenteeism (ACSA) and interventions and programs to address it are lacking. We estimated the global, regional and national level prevalence of ACSA and its correlation with violence and unintentional injury, psychosocial, protective, lifestyle, and food security-related factors among in-school adolescents across low and middle-income, and high-income countries (LMICs-HICs). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic school absenteeism (CSA) as well as to determine its associated factors among in-school adolescents across 71 low-middle and high-income countries. METHODS We used data from the most recent Global School-based Student Health Survey of 207,107 in-school adolescents aged 11-17 years in 71 LMICs-HICs countries across six WHO regions. We estimated the weighted prevalence of ACSA from national, regional and global perspectives. Multiple binary logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors on ACSA. RESULTS The overall population-weighted prevalence of CSA was 11·43% (95% confidence interval, CI: 11·29-11·57). Higher likelihood of CSA was associated with severe food insecurity, peer victimisation, loneliness, high level of anxiety, physically attack, physical fighting, serious injury, poor peer support, not having close friends, lack of parental support, being obese, and high levels of sedentary behaviours. Lower likelihood of CSA was associated with being female (odds ratio, OR = 0·76, 95% CI: 0·74-0·78). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that a combination of different socio-economic factors, peer conflict and injury factors, factors exacerbate CSA among adolescents. Interventions should be designed to focus on these risk factors and should consider the diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashfikur Rahman
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- Professor of Humanitarian and Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Satyajit Kundu
- Global Health Institute, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Awal
- Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashikuzzaman
- Development Studies Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Rodriguez M, Osborn TL, Gan JY, Weisz JR, Bellet BW. Loneliness in Kenyan adolescents: Socio-cultural factors and network association with depression and anxiety symptoms. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:797-809. [PMID: 35543022 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221099143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is associated with negative mental health outcomes and is particularly common among adolescents. Yet, little is known about the dynamics of adolescent loneliness in non-Western, low-income nations. Accordingly, we estimated the severity of loneliness in a sample of Kenyan adolescents and used mixed-effects regression modelling to determine the socio-cultural factors associated with loneliness. We also used network analysis to examine the associations between loneliness, depression, and anxiety at the symptom level. We analyzed data from a large sample (N = 2,192) of school-attending Kenyan adolescents aged 12-19 (58.3% female, 41.7% male). Standardized measures of loneliness (ULS-8), depression (PHQ-8), and anxiety (GAD-7) were used. Our mixed-effects model revealed that female and lower-income adolescents felt lonelier. The perception of feeling alone emerged as the aspect of loneliness most strongly linked to depression and anxiety symptoms. Our findings establish an estimate of loneliness levels in Kenyan adolescents, and identify possible socio-cultural factors associated with loneliness. We found that perceptions of isolation more strongly linked loneliness to psychopathology than did objective measures of isolation or preferences for social contact. Finally, we identify specific aspects of loneliness that could prove to be treatment targets for youth psychopathology; however, further research is needed. Limitations, future directions, and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom L Osborn
- Shamiri Institute, Pittsfield, MA, & Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jenny Y Gan
- Department of Psychology, 1812Harvard University, MI, USA
| | - John R Weisz
- Department of Psychology, 1812Harvard University, MI, USA
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17
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Marthoenis, Dahlia, Nassimbwa J. Prevalence and factors associated with loneliness among Indonesian female adolescents: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:328. [PMID: 35918660 PMCID: PMC9347157 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Loneliness, or the perception of social disconnectedness, is a public health concern and is reported to be a frequent experience during adolescence (10–19 years). This study investigates the prevalence of loneliness and associated health-risk behaviors among Indonesian female adolescents.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study, data for which were extracted from the WHO’s Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which uses a globally standardized cross-sectional methodology to provide accurate data on behaviors and protective factors among students. Data from 4993 female students aged 13–17 years old from 74 schools were extracted from the 2015 survey in Indonesia and analyzed. Loneliness was used as a single measure, as happens in other studies using GSHS data. Descriptive analysis was done for age, socioemotional issues, health-risk behaviors, and contextual factors. This was followed by multiple logistic regression analysis to identify loneliness-associated factors.
Results
Approximately 6.5% of Indonesian female adolescents experience loneliness most of the time or always. Adolescents experiencing loneliness had a higher rate of sleep disturbance (37.6%), suicide ideation (21%), suicide plan (20.8%), smoking behavior (15%), and alcohol use (15.7%) than the general population. Multiple regression analysis confirms that adolescents who have no close friends, have been bullied during the past month, experience sleep disturbance, have had suicide ideation and suicide plans, are always feeling hungry, are exposed to passive smoking, and are engaged in a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher likelihood of suffering from loneliness (p < 0.05). On the other hand, having kind and helpful classmates served as a useful protection against loneliness (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The rate of loneliness in Indonesian female adolescents is relatively lower than previously reported elsewhere. Several health-risk behaviors and contextual factors are associated with loneliness. It is important to gain insight into the exact interplay between factors and loneliness since that could inform future intervention development and lead to better well-being among female adolescents.
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18
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Bone JK, Fancourt D, Fluharty ME, Paul E, Sonke JK, Bu F. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between arts engagement, loneliness, and social support in adolescence. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022:10.1007/s00127-022-02379-8. [PMID: 36342533 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although arts engagement holds promise for reducing loneliness and enhancing social support, previous research has focussed on older adults. We investigated whether arts engagement was associated with loneliness and social support during adolescence. METHODS We included 11,780 adolescents aged 11-21 years from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative cohort study. We measured whether adolescents engaged in school-based arts activities (band, book club, chorus, choir, cheerleading, dance, drama club, newspaper, orchestra) at wave one (1994-1995). Loneliness and perceived social support from peers were measured at waves one and two (1996). We used logistic regression to test whether arts engagement was associated with concurrent and subsequent loneliness and social support. RESULTS Arts engagement was not associated with concurrent or subsequent loneliness. Compared to not engaging, doing one or more school-based arts activities was associated with 59% higher odds of high social support concurrently (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.32-1.91). However, this cross-sectional association was attenuated after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.95-1.42). In contrast, doing arts activities was associated with 28% higher odds of reporting high social support one year later (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03-1.59), independent of covariates and previous social support. CONCLUSIONS Extracurricular arts activities are associated with increased odds of reporting good subsequent social support from peers. This may be because they provide opportunities for social engagement, developing friendships, and building a sense of community. Exploring these associations in more detail should be a priority, enabling better understanding of this strategy for enhancing social ties during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Bone
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Meg E Fluharty
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Elise Paul
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Jill K Sonke
- Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Feifei Bu
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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19
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Lyyra N, Junttila N, Tynjälä J, Villberg J, Välimaa R. Loneliness, subjective health complaints, and medicine use among Finnish adolescents 2006-2018. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:1097-1104. [PMID: 36016473 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221117970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Loneliness is an important public health challenge for all ages. This study reports time trends of loneliness among adolescents over a 12-year period and analyses the strength of the associations between loneliness, health complaints, and medicine use. METHODS Data were derived from the cross-sectional Finnish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study conducted in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. The study population is based on a random sample of schools with 20,444 participants aged 11-15 years. The trends were analysed with a Mantel-Haenszel test, and the strength of the associations was evaluated by mixed-effects logistic and linear regressions. RESULTS An increasing prevalence in frequent loneliness (2006: 11%; 2018: 15%) was evident over the 12-year study period, especially in girls and 15-year-olds. Among all adolescents, loneliness was associated with a higher risk of recurrent health complaints and medicine use to treat the corresponding health issues, especially nervousness (odds ratio 5.8) and sleeping difficulties (odds ratio 7.6). CONCLUSIONS Adolescence is a period of higher risk of frequent loneliness and associated health complaints. In this study, loneliness was common among adolescence and an increasing trend of loneliness was observed between 2006 and 2018. Also, psychosomatic health complaints and medicine use were strongly associated with loneliness. Persistent loneliness is a significant health risk and failure to resolve loneliness before entering adulthood may imply significant concerns for future well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Lyyra
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Niina Junttila
- Department of Teacher Education, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Tynjälä
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jari Villberg
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Raili Välimaa
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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20
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Barbieri M, Mercado E. The impact of stay-at-home regulations on adolescents' feelings of loneliness and internalizing symptoms. J Adolesc 2022; 94:1022-1034. [PMID: 35938856 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the daily social lives of adolescents by severely limiting social interactions which likely heightened levels of loneliness and a variety of internalizing symptoms. However, little is known about how social distancing adherence and subsequent stress caused by the novel social regulations impact adolescents' feelings of loneliness, and later mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. METHOD To close this gap, we examined the impact of social distancing regulations on adolescents' (N = 79; Mage = 16.16, SD = 1.15; 47 females; 23 males) depression and anxiety symptoms through loneliness by using data from a 5-week longitudinal study conducted on adolescents in the United States during the initial phases of COVID-19. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Findings provided evidence that loneliness plays a unique mediating link between social distancing and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Overall, the present study highlights how social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adolescents' mental health during a developmental period that is considered a turning point for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielena Barbieri
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evelyn Mercado
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Guthmuller S. Loneliness among older adults in Europe: The relative importance of early and later life conditions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267562. [PMID: 35584108 PMCID: PMC9116676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the association between childhood circumstances and loneliness in older adults in Europe. Based on rich information collected by the Survey on Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) on childhood characteristics and individual characteristics at age 50+, the study is able to control for personality traits, socioeconomic and demographic factors, social support and health in later life, and country-specific characteristics. The analyses show strong correlations between life circumstances in childhood and feeling lonely in older age; these correlations remain significant after adjusting for covariates. While ill health is the main factor correlated with loneliness at 50+, as expected, the analysis of the relative importance of the determinants reveals that personality traits account for more than 10% of the explained variance and that life circumstances during childhood account for 7%. Social support at older ages is the second highest category of factors, accounting for 27%-with, interestingly, support at home and social network characteristics contributing about 10% each, engaging in activities and computer skills accounting for 7% of the explained variance. Demographic and socioeconomic factors account for 6% and country-level characteristics contribute 5%. This paper points out the relevance of early life interventions to tackling loneliness in older age, and it shows that early interventions and interventions aiming at increasing social support in later life need to be adapted to all personality types. Thus, the role of childhood circumstances and the mechanisms explaining the association between loneliness in childhood and loneliness in later life deserve more attention in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Guthmuller
- Department of Socioeconomics, Health Economics and Policy group, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria
- RWI Essen, Leibniz Science Campus Ruhr, Essen, Germany
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22
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Fardghassemi S, Joffe H. The causes of loneliness: The perspective of young adults in London's most deprived areas. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264638. [PMID: 35385479 PMCID: PMC8985970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Young adults are currently the loneliest demographic in the UK and other Western countries, yet little is known about how they see the causes of their loneliness. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the subjective causes of loneliness among young adults (18–24 years old), particularly those of lower socio-economic status (SES) who are in employment, renting and living in the most deprived areas, since they are the loneliest in the UK. Utilising a free association technique and thematic analysis, and embedded in a phenomenological framework, the subjective causes of loneliness in a matched sample of 48 young adults in the four most deprived boroughs of London are found to cluster around five themes: The Feeling of Being Disconnected, Contemporary Culture, Pressure, Social Comparison and Transitions Between Life Stages. Disconnection arises from feeling one does not matter, is not understood or is unable to express oneself. Challenges pertaining to social media and materialism in contemporary culture contribute to loneliness as does pressure associated with work, fitting in and social comparison. Social media play a major role in exacerbating these experiences. Finally, transitions between life stages such as breakups, loss of significant others and transitory stages to do with education and employment are felt to cause loneliness. The findings suggest potential avenues for loneliness reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Fardghassemi
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Hélène Joffe
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Moksnes UK, Bjørnsen HN, Ringdal R, Eilertsen MEB, Espnes GA. Association between loneliness, self-esteem and outcome of life satisfaction in Norwegian adolescents aged 15-21. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:1089-1096. [PMID: 35360987 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221081287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Adolescence is an important developmental stage for understanding the role of perceived loneliness and self-esteem on life satisfaction. This study investigated the association between loneliness, self-esteem and the outcome of life satisfaction, as well as potential interaction effects in association with life satisfaction, in a sample of Norwegian adolescents. METHODS The study was based on a cross-sectional sample of 1816 adolescents aged 15-21 years. Data were collected in September 2016. The participants reported scores on the five-item Satisfaction with Life Scale, the 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and one item assessing loneliness. Control variables included sex, age, perceived family economy, parents' education, place of birth and perceived bullying. The data were analysed with descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS A significant negative and moderately strong association was found between loneliness and life satisfaction, where the association was stronger for girls than for boys. Self-esteem showed a significant positive and strong association with life satisfaction; however, no significant interaction effect was found. CONCLUSIONS The findings show the significant role of both loneliness and self-esteem in association with adolescents' perception of life satisfaction. The findings support promoting self-esteem, belongingness and social integration in all daily life contexts for adolescents to support their life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unni K Moksnes
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Hanne N Bjørnsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | | | - Mary-Elizabeth B Eilertsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Geir Arild Espnes
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
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24
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Sarıalioğlu A, Atay T, Arıkan D. Determining the relationship between loneliness and internet addiction among adolescents during the covid-19 pandemic in Turkey. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 63:117-124. [PMID: 34801327 PMCID: PMC8916416 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the levels of loneliness adolescents feel during the pandemic, and their respective levels of internet addiction. DESIGN AND METHODS The sample of the study consists of 482 adolescents who volunteered to participate in the study. All participants had the cognitive competence to express themselves, and had access to the Internet. Participants filled out a Google Docs form including the "Descriptive Information Form", "ULS-SF" and "IASA", which were used to collect data. RESULTS As a result of the multiple regression analysis, it was found that family income, mothers' education status, fathers' education status, the duration of Internet use before and during the pandemic, and the total score of ULS-SF had statistically significant effects on the total score of IASA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that adolescents' internet addiction increases with the increasing level of loneliness. Adolescents who reported feeling moderately lonely had a low level of Internet addiction. There were certain variables that were also found to be influential on adolescents' average levels of loneliness and Internet addiction during the Covid-19 pandemic. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Protecting adolescents' mental health during the pandemic is dependent on taking measures to reduce the risks, while strengthening the protective factors. These protective factors include providing adolescents the access to the appropriate information resources and encouraging the rational use of the Internet, which will support the individual and the individual's social development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Sarıalioğlu
- Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Tutku Atay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Duygu Arıkan
- Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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25
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Surkalim DL, Luo M, Eres R, Gebel K, van Buskirk J, Bauman A, Ding D. The prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2022; 376:e067068. [PMID: 35140066 PMCID: PMC8826180 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-067068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify data availability, gaps, and patterns for population level prevalence of loneliness globally, to summarise prevalence estimates within World Health Organization regions when feasible through meta-analysis, and to examine temporal trends of loneliness in countries where data exist. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus for peer reviewed literature, and Google Scholar and Open Grey for grey literature, supplemented by backward reference searching (to 1 September 2021) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Observational studies based on nationally representative samples (n≥292), validated instruments, and prevalence data for 2000-19. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted in the subset of studies with relatively homogeneous research methods by measurement instrument, age group, and WHO region. RESULTS Prevalence data were available for 113 countries or territories, according to official WHO nomenclature for regions, from 57 studies. Data were available for adolescents (12-17 years) in 77 countries or territories, young adults (18-29 years) in 30 countries, middle aged adults (30-59 years) in 32 countries, and older adults (≥60 years) in 40 countries. Data for all age groups except adolescents were lacking outside of Europe. Overall, 212 estimates for 106 countries from 24 studies were included in meta-analyses. The pooled prevalence of loneliness for adolescents ranged from 9.2% (95% confidence interval 6.8% to 12.4%) in South-East Asia to 14.4% (12.2% to 17.1%) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. For adults, meta-analysis was conducted for the European region only, and a consistent geographical pattern was shown for all adult age groups. The lowest prevalence of loneliness was consistently observed in northern European countries (2.9%, 1.8% to 4.5% for young adults; 2.7%, 2.4% to 3.0% for middle aged adults; and 5.2%, 4.2% to 6.5% for older adults) and the highest in eastern European countries (7.5%, 5.9% to 9.4% for young adults; 9.6%, 7.7% to 12.0% for middle aged adults; and 21.3%, 18.7% to 24.2% for older adults). CONCLUSION Problematic levels of loneliness are experienced by a substantial proportion of the population in many countries. The substantial difference in data coverage between high income countries (particularly Europe) and low and middle income countries raised an important equity issue. Evidence on the temporal trends of loneliness is insufficient. The findings of this meta-analysis are limited by data scarcity and methodological heterogeneity. Loneliness should be incorporated into general health surveillance with broader geographical and age coverage, using standardised and validated measurement tools. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019131448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Surkalim
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre (D17), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mengyun Luo
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre (D17), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Robert Eres
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Klaus Gebel
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Joseph van Buskirk
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre (D17), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Ding Ding
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre (D17), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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The Effect of Loneliness in Psychological and Behavioral Profile among High School Students in Spain. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a distressing feeling that can be a barrier to a student’s development and affect their mental health. This research aimed to analyse the effects of loneliness on psychological and behavioral factors among students aged 12–19 years in Spain. Loneliness, experiential avoidance, psychological inflexibility, physical activity, mobile phone use, and smoke habits were analysed in a sample of 110 men and 122 women assigned into two groups depending on their loneliness levels: higher loneliness group (HLG) and lower loneliness group (LLG). Results showed that experimental avoidance and psychological inflexibility were related with loneliness (r = 0.471; p = 0.000). Experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility were higher in HLG than LLG. Regarding the use of mobile phones and smoking habits, LLG presented significantly higher values than HLG. Higher age correlated with lower loneliness values (r = −0.155; p = 0.017). The present research found how students with higher loneliness presented higher experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility and lower age, use of mobile phone, and smoking habits. These findings reveal the importance of considering multiple social behaviours when examining adolescent mental health factors.
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Tough H, Gross-Hemmi M, Eriks-Hoogland I, Fekete C. Pathways to loneliness: a mediation analysis investigating the social gradient of loneliness in persons with disabilities in Switzerland. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:261. [PMID: 34930298 PMCID: PMC8686239 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01600-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The experience of loneliness can have drastic consequences for health and quality of life. Given that loneliness is highly prevalent in persons with physical disabilities and that loneliness more profoundly affects persons of low socioeconomic status, more evidence is required in order to understand the mechanisms determining loneliness in this population. The objective of this study is therefore to investigate the potential pathways through which socioeconomic status influences loneliness in persons with spinal cord injury. Methods Mediation analysis utilising structural equation models and bias corrected and accelerated confidence intervals were used in order to test the mediation effects of health status, functioning, participation, social support and self-efficacy on the association between socioeconomic status and loneliness in persons with spinal cord injury. A latent construct was created for socioeconomic status with the indicators education, household income, financial hardship, subjective social status and engagement in paid work. Results This study found evidence to support the mediating role of psychosocial resources and of secondary health conditions in the association between socioeconomic status and loneliness. The study demonstrated robust associations between socioeconomic status and all potential mediators, whereby higher socioeconomic status was associated with better health, participation and psychosocial resources, however, not all potential mediators were associated with loneliness. The serial mediation model explained the interplay between socioeconomic status, mediators on different levels, and loneliness. For example, emotional support and self-efficacy were both positively associated with fewer restrictions to participation (0.08 (CI: 0.05, 0.12); 0.29 (CI: 0.24, 0.36) respectively), and fewer restrictions to participation were found to be a result of improved functional independence and fewer secondary health conditions (0.23 (CI: 0.15, 0.39); − 0.29 (CI: − 0.36, − 0.20) respectively). Conclusions Our findings highlight the vulnerability of persons with low socioeconomic status to loneliness in persons with spinal cord injury and identified potential mediating factors, such as health, functioning, participation and psychosocial resources, in the association between socioeconomic status and loneliness. This population-based evidence suggests potential targets of interventions on the pathway to loneliness, through which socioeconomic status influences loneliness. The complexity of the model shows the need for comprehensive interprofessional rehabilitation to identify and support people with lower socioeconomic status and concomitant risk factors for loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Tough
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland. .,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 2, 6207, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Mirja Gross-Hemmi
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Inge Eriks-Hoogland
- Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 2, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Christine Fekete
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zäch Strasse 4, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 2, 6207, Lucerne, Switzerland
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28
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Rich Madsen K, Tjørnhøj-Thomsen T, Jervelund SS, Qualter P, Holstein BE. Lonely, but Not Alone: Qualitative Study among Immigrant and Native-Born Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11425. [PMID: 34769942 PMCID: PMC8582986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores loneliness as it is understood and experienced by adolescents, with a special focus on the importance of their migration status. We recruited students from five schools following a maximum variation sampling scheme, and we conducted 15 semi-structured, individual interviews with eighth-grade adolescents (aged 14-15 years) that were immigrants, descendants, and with a Danish majority background. A thematic analysis was applied with a special focus on differences and similarities in understanding and experiencing loneliness between adolescents with diverse migration status. The results showed more similarities than differences in loneliness. Generally, loneliness was described as an adverse feeling, varying in intensity and duration, and participants referenced distressing emotions. Feeling lonely was distinguished from being alone and characterized as an invisible social stigma. A variety of perceived social deficiencies were emphasized as causing loneliness, emerging in the interrelation between characteristics of the individual and their social context. The results add to the current literature by highlighting that it is not the presence of specific individual characteristics that causes loneliness; instead, loneliness is dependent on the social contexts the individual is embedded in. Differences across migration status were few and related to variations in the adolescents' individual characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of (1) studying the characteristics of both the individual and the social context in research on the antecedents to adolescents' loneliness, and (2) applying this perspective in other studies on the importance of migration status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Rich Madsen
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Signe Smith Jervelund
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Bjørn E. Holstein
- The National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
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29
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Qualter P, Hennessey A, Yang K, Chester KL, Klemera E, Brooks F. Prevalence and Social Inequality in Youth Loneliness in the UK. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910420. [PMID: 34639720 PMCID: PMC8507796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Using data from the English arm of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, we examined the prevalence of loneliness for school-aged adolescents and how it is linked to social inequalities. The HBSC study collects data from 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds, and is repeated every four years, allowing the exploration of prevalence rates of loneliness pre COVID-19 pandemic for comparison. We also explored whether loneliness was associated with socio-economic status (SES) and linked to academic attainment and health complaints. The total sample was 14,077 from 156 schools in England. Findings revealed a stable prevalence rate of 8.2% for loneliness from 2006 to 2014. We also found, across all survey years, (1) those aged 15 years were significantly lonelier than younger peers, (2) those who reported lower SES were lonelier than their more well-off peers, and (3) higher loneliness was associated with being '"below average" academically and reporting more health complaints. Conclusions: These prevalence data enable researchers, policymakers, and others to make comparisons with prevalence rates during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore whether there have been increases in loneliness among school-aged adolescents. Loneliness was consistently related to social inequalities, suggesting that targeted interventions that include whole systems changes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandra Hennessey
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;
| | - Kayleigh L. Chester
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (K.L.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Ellen Klemera
- Centre for Health Services Studies, Division of Law, Society and Social Justice, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK;
| | - Fiona Brooks
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK; (K.L.C.); (F.B.)
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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30
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Fekete C, Reinhardt JD, Arora M, Patrick Engkasan J, Gross-Hemmi M, Kyriakides A, Le Fort M, Tough H. Socioeconomic status and social relationships in persons with spinal cord injury from 22 countries: Does the countries' socioeconomic development moderate associations? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255448. [PMID: 34388150 PMCID: PMC8362947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social relationships are powerful determinants of health and inequalities in social relationships across socioeconomic status (SES) groups may contribute to social inequalities in health. This study investigates inequalities in social relationships in an international sample of persons with spinal cord injury and explores whether social gradients in relationships are moderated by the countries' socioeconomic development (SED). METHODS Data from 12,330 participants of the International SCI Community Survey (InSCI) performed in 22 countries were used. We regressed social relationships (belongingness, relationship satisfaction, social interactions) on individual SES (education, income, employment, financial hardship, subjective status) and countries' SED (Human Development Index) using multi-level models (main effects). To test potential moderation of the SED, interaction terms between individual SES and countries' SED were entered into multi-level models. RESULTS Paid work, absence of financial hardship and higher subjective status were related to higher belongingness (OR, 95% CI: 1.50, 1.34-1.67; 1.76, 1.53-2.03; 1.16, 1.12-1.19, respectively), higher relationship satisfaction (OR, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.15-1.42; 1.97, 1.72-2.27; 1.20, 1.17-1.24, respectively) and fewer problems with social interactions (Coeff, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.82-1.10; 1.93, 1.74-2.12; 0.26, 0.22-0.29, respectively), whereas associations with education and income were less consistent. Main effects for countries' SED showed that persons from lower SED countries reported somewhat higher relationship satisfaction (OR, 95% CI: 0.97, 0.94-0.99) and less problems with social interactions (Coeff, 95% CI: -0.04, -0.09- -0.003). Results from moderation analysis revealed that having paid work was more important for relationships in lower SED countries, while education and subjective status were more important for relationships in higher SED countries (interaction terms p<0.05). CONCLUSION Social relationships in persons with spinal cord injury are patterned according to individual SES and the countries' SED and larger socioeconomic structures partly moderate associations between individual SES and social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Fekete
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jan D. Reinhardt
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction of Sichuan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mohit Arora
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia
- Sydney Medical School - Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Marc Le Fort
- Neurological Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital, Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Hannah Tough
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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31
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Cooper K, Hards E, Moltrecht B, Reynolds S, Shum A, McElroy E, Loades M. Loneliness, social relationships, and mental health in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2021; 289:98-104. [PMID: 33962368 PMCID: PMC9310699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a common experience in adolescence and is related to a range of mental health problems. Such feelings may have been increased by social distancing measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the effect of loneliness, social contact, and parent relationships on adolescent mental health during lockdown in the UK. Young people aged 11-16 years (n = 894) completed measures of loneliness, social contact, parent-adolescent relationships, and mental health difficulties during the first 11 weeks of lockdown and one-month later (n = 443). We examined cross-sectional associations and longitudinal relationships between loneliness, social contact, and parent relationships and subsequent mental health. Adolescents who reported higher loneliness had significantly higher symptoms of mental health difficulties during lockdown. We found that adolescents who had closer relationships with their parents reported significantly less severe symptoms of mental health difficulties and lower levels of loneliness. We also found that adolescents who spent more time texting others reported higher symptoms of mental health difficulties. Our hypothesis that loneliness would predict poorer mental health one month later was not supported. Time spent texting others at baseline was significantly associated with higher hyperactivity at follow-up, and closeness to parents was significantly associated with lower psychological distress at follow-up. We conclude that while loneliness was associated with greater mental health difficulties at baseline, it did not predict increased mental health difficulties one month later. Moreover, existing mental health problems significantly predicted later increase, thereby highlighting the importance of continuing support for vulnerable people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK.
| | - Emily Hards
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - Bettina Moltrecht
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, University College London and Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Shirley Reynolds
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK
| | - Adrienne Shum
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Eoin McElroy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Maria Loades
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK; Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
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32
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Eccles AM, Qualter P. Review: Alleviating loneliness in young people - a meta-analysis of interventions. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2021; 26:17-33. [PMID: 32406165 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is common among youth and is associated with poor physical and mental health, and poor educational outcomes. To date, there have been no meta-analyses of interventions aimed at reducing loneliness among young people. METHODS We conducted meta-analyses of single group and randomised control trials (RCTs) of studies published between 1980 and 2019, which measured loneliness as an outcome in youth ages 25 years or younger. Moderators, including sample demographics and intervention characteristics, that might affect intervention success, were examined. RESULTS A total of 39 studies (14 single group and 25 RCTs) were included, and we found evidence that youth loneliness could be reduced via intervention. Moderator analysis - including intervention characteristics, study quality and sample demographics - was also examined. CONCLUSIONS While interventions were shown to reduce loneliness among youth, the interventions included in the meta-analyses often targeted youth viewed to be at risk - for example those with health concerns - and rarely did the interventions target youth who reported loneliness. There is also no indication of whether youth experienced chronic or transient loneliness. In future work, interventions should be designed specifically for loneliness, with universal programmes helping youth manage their transient feelings of loneliness, and targeted interventions for those suffering from chronic loneliness. There is also a need to look at socioeconomic and other risk factors outside the individual for targeted interventions. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE There have been no meta-analyses that have evaluated the effect of interventions for reducing loneliness among children and adolescents. We found intervention programmes targeted at youth are successful at reducing loneliness. Future interventions should be designed specially with loneliness in mind, with (a) universal programmes to help youth manage their experiences of transient loneliness, and (b) targeted interventions for youth reporting chronic loneliness. They should also examine the longer-term outcomes of the interventions. Future interventions should be designed, evaluated and then documented using guidelines on how to write up an intervention evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Eccles
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.,Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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33
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Amu H, Seidu AA, Agbemavi W, Ahinkorah BO, Ameyaw EK, Amoah A, Dadzie LK, Kissah-Korsah K. Loneliness and its Associated Risk Factors Among in-School Adolescents in Tanzania: Cross-Sectional Analyses of the Global School-Based Health Survey Data. PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12646-020-00580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Myhr A, Anthun KS, Lillefjell M, Sund ER. Trends in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Norwegian Adolescents' Mental Health From 2014 to 2018: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1472. [PMID: 32733331 PMCID: PMC7358281 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents’ mental health, and its consistent relationship with their socioeconomic background, is a concern that should drive education, health, and employment policies. However, information about this relationship on a national scale is limited. We explore national overall trends and investigate possible socioeconomic disparities in adolescents’ mental health, including psychological distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in Norway during the period 2014–2018. Methods The present study builds on data retrieved from five waves of the national cross-sectional Ungdata survey (2014–2018). In total 136,525 upper secondary school students (52% girls) completed the questionnaire during the study period. Trends in socioeconomic inequalities were assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII). Results The prevalence of students with moderate to high symptoms score and mean symptoms scores of psychological distress (in terms of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness) increased among girls and boys during 2014–2018, with girls showing higher rates. Our results suggest distinct, but stable, inequalities between socioeconomic groups, both in absolute and relative terms, among girls and boys during the study period. Conclusion Rising rates of adolescents’ psychological distress, particularly among girls, may have long-term consequences for individuals involved and the society as a whole. Future studies should investigate the causes of these results. We did not find evidence of any change in inequalities in adolescents’ mental health between socioeconomic groups, suggesting current strategies are not sufficiently addressing mental health inequalities in the adolescent population and therefore a significant need for research and public health efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnhild Myhr
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Trøndelag R&D Institute, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Kirsti S Anthun
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Monica Lillefjell
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erik R Sund
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, HUNT Research Centre, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway.,Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Levanger, Norway.,Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
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35
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Only the lonely: A study of loneliness among university students in Norway. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2020; 2:e2781. [DOI: 10.32872/cpe.v2i1.2781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Loneliness is a major public health concern among college and university students, the evidence is inconsistent regarding whether there is an increasing trend or not. Furthermore, knowledge of the demographic determinants for loneliness are limited. The present study assesses recent trends of loneliness from 2014 to 2018, and explores demographic risk indicators of loneliness among students.
Method
Data was drawn from two waves of a national student health survey from 2014 and 2018 for higher education in Norway (the SHoT-study). In 2018, all 162,512 fulltime students in Norway were invited to participate and 50,054 students (69.1% women) aged 18-35 years were included (response rate = 30.8%). Loneliness was measured by “The Three-Item Loneliness Scale” (T-ILS) and one item from the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25).
Results
Age showed a curvilinear association with loneliness, with the youngest and oldest students reporting the highest level of loneliness across all measures. Other significant demographic determinants of loneliness were being female, single and living alone. There was a considerable increase in loneliness from 2014 (16.5%) to 2018 (23.6%, p < .001), and the increase was particularly strong for males, for whom the proportion of feeling “extremely” lonely had more than doubled.
Conclusion
The high rate of loneliness and the increasing trends indicate the need for preventive interventions in the student population.
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