Protective Factors for Loneliness Among Youth: A Review

Abstract

Loneliness refers to a deeply subjective experience stemming from a perceived gap between desired and actual social connections. In recent years, it has emerged as a pressing public health concern worldwide. This review paper examines the diverse protective factors of loneliness among adolescents and young adults by synthesising findings from recent research studies. Key psychological factors linked with loneliness include Self-esteem, locus of control, emotional maturity, and life satisfaction. A scoping review was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed, selecting only open-access articles. Many research studies were reviewed and analysed to find gaps in the possible protective factors of loneliness. Research studies highlight distinct trajectories of loneliness over time, which predict adverse psychosocial outcomes such as increased risk of mental health disorders and impaired social adjustment. Findings highlight that self-esteem, locus of control, emotional maturity and life satisfaction were related to loneliness. The complex interplay among these psycho-social factors suggests that loneliness in youth is multidimensional and context-dependent. The phenomenon of understanding these correlates is crucial for developing targeted interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness and psychological resilience.