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14-09-2015 | Empirical Research

Loneliness and Attitudes Toward Aloneness in Adolescence: A Person-Centered Approach

Auteurs: Marlies Maes, Janne Vanhalst, Annette W. M. Spithoven, Wim Van den Noortgate, Luc Goossens

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence | Uitgave 3/2016

Abstract

In adolescence, feeling lonely and dealing with time spent alone become particularly salient. The present study examined the co-occurrence of parent- and peer-related loneliness, and positive and negative attitudes toward aloneness, using cluster analysis. In three independent samples, covering about 1800 adolescents (61 % female), six meaningful groups were identified. These groups showed different associations with adolescents’ self-esteem and personality, parental responsiveness and psychological control, and peer group functioning and friendships. An adaptive pattern of correlates was found for adolescents in three of the six groups, that is, the Indifference group (with rather low scores on the four constructs), the Moderate group (with moderate scores on the four constructs), and the Negative Attitude Toward Aloneness group. A rather maladaptive pattern of correlates was found for adolescents in the three other groups, that is, the Peer-Related Loneliness group, the Positive Attitude Toward Aloneness group, and the Parent-Related Loneliness group. More specifically, adolescents in the Peer-Related Loneliness and Positive Attitude Toward Aloneness groups may need assistance regarding their relations with their peers, whereas adolescents in the Parent-Related Loneliness group may need assistance regarding their relations with their parents. Implications of these findings for current understanding and optimal measurement of adolescents’ loneliness and aloneness are discussed.

vorige artikel Religious Identity, Religious Participation, and Psychological Well-Being in Asian American Adolescents

volgende artikel Loneliness, Stress, and Social Support in Young Adulthood: Does the Source of Support Matter?

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Titel: Loneliness and Attitudes Toward Aloneness in Adolescence: A Person-Centered Approach
Auteurs: Marlies Maes
Janne Vanhalst
Annette W. M. Spithoven
Wim Van den Noortgate
Luc Goossens
Publicatiedatum: 14-09-2015
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence / Uitgave 3/2016
Print ISSN: 0047-2891
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6601
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-015-0354-5

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