Changes in the experience of loneliness on the path of a growing adolescent

Authors

• Tuulikki Kurtelius Helsingin yliopisto
• Kristiina Kumpulainen Helsingin yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.107919

Keywords:

adolescents, loneliness, experientialism, peer relationships, follow-up research

Abstract

This qualitative follow-up study examines the temporally constructive experiences of loneliness in early youth. The research material consists of stories and pictures from 22 pupils and the interview material collected when they were 9–10 and 12–13 years old. The theoretical frame of reference was the time-based findings of loneliness researchers Burges et al. (1999), Goossens & Marcoen (1999) and Hymel et al. (1999) concerning the changing of experiences of loneliness at the different stages of an individual’s development. The analysis of the data was guided by a retrospective research approach (Neale 2012), which enabled the analysis of the research data over time. Three main themes, uniting the interviewees, emerged from the research material: ”effect of time on experiences”, ”relationship with peers” and ”handling loneliness”. The theme ”effect of time on experiences” showed that the interviewees' earlier experiences of childhood loneliness were connected to changed social environments that had served as platforms for the experience of loneliness for the young people. The theme ”relationship with peers” highlighted the need experienced by young people to be noticed and accepted. The theme ”handling loneliness” shed light on coping with loneliness from the perspectives of growth, perseverance, and adaptation. At the age of 12–13, loneliness was experienced less, quantitatively, but it was an even more painful experience than at the younger age. Changes in experiences of loneliness particularly affected adolescents whose descriptions reflected a negative self-image or a lack of skills to interact with peers. However, the desire to cope and build more lasting relationships with peers seemed important for young people. Support provided by peers at school is emerging as a major consideration when considering ways to reduce the loneliness experienced by young people.