Protocol for a Qualitative Study: Exploring Loneliness and Social Isolation in Emerging Adulthood (ELSIE)

Abstract

Background: This article describes a protocol for a qualitative study to explore experiences and views and experiences of loneliness and social isolation in young adults, in Ireland. Methods: A youth Research Advisory Group will be consulted on the development of study materials. Our data collection methods will be guided by participant preferences, with potential participants choosing between virtual interviews, focus groups, and an online survey including the open-ended questions contained in the interview/focus group schedule. The data will be analyzed using framework analysis. Discussion: This protocol highlights methodological considerations relevant to a qualitative research study co-designed with young adults. Study findings will be relevant to mental health policy makers and other stakeholders involved in youth mental health.

Exploring Loneliness in Emerging Adulthood: A Qualitative Study

“…This study received ethical approval from the first author’s university faculty ethics committee. This study (Creaven et al, 2021) was pre-registered on Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DCQ7M). Participants were recruited via emails sent to all currently enrolled students in the authors’ university, as well as advertisements posted on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram.…”

“…Data Accessibility Statement The data used in this manuscript are not openly available due to restrictions set by the institutional ethics board; anonymised interview transcripts have been deposited to the Irish Qualitative Data Archive for research use (Creaven, Kirwan, Ogoro, Allen, Burns, & Ó Súilleabháin, 2023). The data collection and analysis plan were pre-registered and the study materials are also available using the link to the pre-registration plan (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DCQ7M).…”