Disciplines
Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Psychology | School Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The transition to adulthood is a unique developmental period that involves rapid changes in youths’ individual development and social contexts, which can involve leaving behind familiar support networks (Eeske et al,. 2015). Common experiences during the transition to adulthood, like leaving home, pursuing college, and entering the workforce can leave individuals feeling marginalized and cutoff (Mathews et al,. 2022). Loneliness is a subjective feeling experienced by individuals in all age demographics (Matthews et al,. 2022). Despite a wide array of research on social connectedness interventions for older adults and people with physical disabilities (Zagic et al,. 2021), there is little research on loneliness in young adulthood. Forming meaningful social connections during these years is crucial to successfully navigating this period (Moeller, 2019). However, adolescence and young adulthood mark the period when individuals start to acquire independence and autonomy, which can cause a strain on parent-child relationships (Laursen et al., 2009). The current study assessed the relationship between college students’ loneliness, living situations, and parental relationship quality. Kennesaw State University undergraduate students responded to surveys that included items regarding loneliness, parent relational satisfaction, living situations, demographic characteristics, and other psychosocial constructs. Preliminary results showed a moderate, negative correlation between parental relationship satisfaction and loneliness for participants who lived with their parents and alone or with roommates (rWith Parents = -.315; rAlone or Roommates = -.37). This study demonstrates that there is a connection between young adults’ parental relationships and their overall loneliness. However, in practice, there is currently limited opportunities to intervene on young adults’ parental relationships or loneliness except at the individual level (i.e., therapy), as shown in previous meta-analyses of loneliness interventions. Future research should consider the uniqueness of young adulthood experiences when exploring ways to improve parental relationships and loneliness.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Chanler Hilley
Included in
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, School Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons
Loneliness and Parental Relationships Among College Students
The transition to adulthood is a unique developmental period that involves rapid changes in youths’ individual development and social contexts, which can involve leaving behind familiar support networks (Eeske et al,. 2015). Common experiences during the transition to adulthood, like leaving home, pursuing college, and entering the workforce can leave individuals feeling marginalized and cutoff (Mathews et al,. 2022). Loneliness is a subjective feeling experienced by individuals in all age demographics (Matthews et al,. 2022). Despite a wide array of research on social connectedness interventions for older adults and people with physical disabilities (Zagic et al,. 2021), there is little research on loneliness in young adulthood. Forming meaningful social connections during these years is crucial to successfully navigating this period (Moeller, 2019). However, adolescence and young adulthood mark the period when individuals start to acquire independence and autonomy, which can cause a strain on parent-child relationships (Laursen et al., 2009). The current study assessed the relationship between college students’ loneliness, living situations, and parental relationship quality. Kennesaw State University undergraduate students responded to surveys that included items regarding loneliness, parent relational satisfaction, living situations, demographic characteristics, and other psychosocial constructs. Preliminary results showed a moderate, negative correlation between parental relationship satisfaction and loneliness for participants who lived with their parents and alone or with roommates (rWith Parents = -.315; rAlone or Roommates = -.37). This study demonstrates that there is a connection between young adults’ parental relationships and their overall loneliness. However, in practice, there is currently limited opportunities to intervene on young adults’ parental relationships or loneliness except at the individual level (i.e., therapy), as shown in previous meta-analyses of loneliness interventions. Future research should consider the uniqueness of young adulthood experiences when exploring ways to improve parental relationships and loneliness.