Trajectories of loneliness during childhood and adolescence: Predictors and health outcomes

Abstract

The present study employed latent growth mixture modeling to discern distinct trajectories of loneliness using data collected at 2‐year intervals from age 7–17 years (N = 586) and examine whether measures taken at age 5 years were good predictors of group membership. Four loneliness trajectory classes were identified: (1) low stable (37% of the sample), (2) moderate decliners (23%), (3) moderate increasers (18%), and (4) relatively high stable (22%). Predictors at age 5 years for the high stable trajectory were low trust beliefs, low trusting, low peer acceptance, parent reported negative reactivity, an internalizing attribution style, low self‐worth, and passivity during observed play. The model also included outcome variables. We found that both the high stable and moderate increasing trajectories were associated with depressive symptoms, a higher frequency of visits to the doctor, and lower perceived general health at age 17. We discuss implications of findings for future empirical work.

Social Connectedness Predicts Lower Loneliness and Depressive Symptoms over Time in Adolescents

“…Much of the literature has examined the extent to which risk factors such as negative reactivity, low levels of social engagement, negative cognitive style, low self-esteem, and low trust beliefs in others predispose adolescents to experience increasing level of loneliness (e.g., Qualter et al, 2013). However, moderators of the influence of loneliness on depression have not been identified or studied.…”

Perceived social isolation, evolutionary fitness and health outcomes: a lifespan approach

“…Qualter et al [32] found that persistently high levels of loneliness as well as moderately increasing levels of loneliness between ages 5 and 17 were positively associated not only with depressive symptoms but also with frequency of doctor visits, and negatively associated with self-rated health at age 17. In a study of 11-15 year olds in nine European countries, affiliation deficits, as indicated by higher levels of loneliness, were associated with worse physical health and well-being; in addition, low well-being was associated with lower levels of social integration [51], suggesting a negative cycle of diminishing social connectedness and well-being.…”

“…poorer general health [27]; more somatic symptoms [28] ! poorer general health [32,51]; see also [28,34] ! poorer general health [33,34] !…”

“…poorer general health [52,53] healthcare utilization ! increased frequency of doctor visits [32] increased use of hospital emergency department [54] [42,66] ! increased cortisol response to awakening [67,68] inflammation increased pro-inflammatory cytokine response to acute stress [69,70] pro-inflammatory gene expression [71 -73] mortality !…”

Loneliness Across the Life Span

“…This subgroup consists of individuals who report persistent loneliness over many years and report feeling socially or emotionally distant from others. In several multiwave longitudinal studies, researchers investigating developmental trajectories of loneliness from childhood through early adulthood have indicated that between 3% and 22% of people experience prolonged loneliness (Benner, 2011;Harris, Qualter, & Robinson, 2013;JobeShields, Cohen, & Parra, 2011;Ladd & Ettekal, 2013;Qualter, Brown, et al, 2013;Schinka, Van Dulmen, Mata, Bossarte, & Swahn, 2013;Vanhalst, Rassart, et al, 2013). Further, despite a dearth of studies in which researchers investigated prolonged loneliness in middle adulthood, stability and change in loneliness among older adults have been investigated by researchers using retrospective and longitudinal designs.…”