Major Life Events as Predictors of Loneliness in Adolescence

Mathias Lasgaard; Cherie Armour; Rikke Holm Bramsen; Luke Goossens.
The present study investigates the validity of early major life events as predictors of loneliness among 978 high-school students. A cross-sectional research design was utilized to examine the relationship between latent classes of six major life events and feelings of family-related and peer-related loneliness. Latent class analysis revealed three distinct event typologies: a normative group, a mover and divorce group, and a loss and illness group. Subsequent logistic regression revealed that membership of the movers and divorce group was associated with family-related loneliness, but not with peer-related loneliness. Membership of the loss and illness group was not associated with family-related or peer-related loneliness. The study lends some support to theoretical approaches that associate loneliness with major life events. However, the mixed study results underscore the relevance of investigating a spectrum of life events and distinguishing between different sources of loneliness.

Journal of Child and Family Studies

Udgivelsesform Videnskabelige artikler
År 2015
Udgiver Journal of Child and Family Studies

Kontaktperson

Mathias Kamp Lasgaard

Mathias Kamp Lasgaard

+45 7841 4333

malasg@rm.dk

Forfattere

Mathias Kamp Lasgaard