Loneliness: Differences Across Three Age Levels

Abstract

The present study examined differences in the loneliness experience with subjects from three age levels (high school students, college undergraduates, retirees). In accordance with social role theory and existing research, we predicted differences across these age periods in level of loneliness and the relation of loneliness to other indices of adjustment, and personal and social competency. Results indicated that the greatest loneliness and strongest loneliness correlates were among high school students, while loneliness was least associated with other variables for retirees. These results are consistent with those suggested by previous cross-study comparisons. The results also support a social role theory interpretation of loneliness that age-related changes in social demands will influence the relation among measures of adjustment, and personal and social competency.