Loneliness is a negative feeling derived from a discrepancy between desired and achieved levels of social contact. Researchers typically define it as perceived isolation, one that comes from unsatisfying support networks due to a sense of either physical or emotional separation. This definition highlights the key point that, distinct from being alone, which can be enjoyable, loneliness may occur even while being in the company of others. Loneliness appears quite common, with as many as 80% of youth (those under 18) and 40% of the elderly (adults over 65) reporting being lonely at least sometimes (Hawkley and Cacioppo 2010). In addition to being rampant, at extremes, loneliness can have dramatic effects on individuals’ physical and mental health. This essay briefly explores the nature of loneliness, especially as it potentially relates to adolescents.
Loneliness may become chronic but typically is transient, such as when it is a situational response to experiences such as loss,...
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Levesque, R.J.R. (2011). Loneliness. In: Levesque, R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_291
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