Causes of involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults: an integrative review

Abstract

Loneliness among adolescents and young adults is a multifaceted phenomenon. The aim of the study was to synthesize the existing knowledge on the different causes of involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults. The research question was: What underlies involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults? This article is based on a modified integrative literature review on the existing research and literature on the causes underlying involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults. Original, peer-reviewed papers in English published from 2010 to 2020 were sought. Four main themes and 7 subthemes emerged linked to causes of involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults. The four main themes were: Loneliness due to different dimensions of suffering, Loneliness due to personal barriers, Loneliness due to negative life experiences, Loneliness due to life transitions. The subthemes were: Physical suffering, Mental suffering; Personality traits, Inefficient coping strategies; Significant loss, Bullying/cyberbullying, Insecure family relationships.

Keywords

• Adolescents
• loneliness
• involuntary loneliness
• young adults