Essential Takeaways for Caregivers
- A deeper connection to friends, school, hobbies, home, and society correlates with initial paths of lower loneliness throughout adolescence.
- Connections within friend groups had the strongest ties to different loneliness patterns.
- However, belonging to multiple groups differentiates those facing ongoing high loneliness from those experiencing consistent low loneliness, highlighting the importance of diverse group involvement for adolescents.
- Adolescents experiencing chronic loneliness reported higher rates of school burnout and lower well-being outcomes, though no correlation with substance use was observed.
- Engaging in study groups can help alleviate loneliness and enhance academic performance..
- Active involvement in various groups during adolescence can prevent the onset of loneliness and its negative impacts.
This blog post is based on research originally published in Beattie, M., Kiuru, N., & Salmela-Aro, K. (2024). Belongingness to groups, adolescent loneliness trajectories, and their consequences. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 49(3), 240-251.
Growing Concern of Community Disconnection
Human beings thrive when they form healthy social connections. However, in our increasingly individualistic society, the significance of belonging to broader social networks, local communities, and tight-knit groups often feels overlooked.
Renowned researcher Robert Putnam, author of the acclaimed book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, has analyzed extensive data encompassing national surveys and community memberships in the United States. He documented a significant decline in community involvement which peaked around the 1960s.
This decline has persisted, not only in the U.S. but globally as well. Consequently, fewer individuals today have experienced the robust sense of community that previous generations took for granted. Many may not grasp the gravity of this shift, yet there is undoubtedly something valuable missing.
Consequences of Diminished Community Connections
During times when social capital and community involvement wane, a renewed focus on belonging across diverse groups is essential. Families might need to evaluate their participation in community activities to nurture their children’s and their own well-being.
In our study, we explored how group belonging influences loneliness across adolescence. Our results provide valuable insights as families reflect on their adolescents’ peer interactions as well as engagement with local and broader community groups.
Understanding Loneliness and Its Health Implications
Loneliness is not merely about being alone – it embodies the painful sensation that social relationships lack substance, whether in quality or quantity. People can feel lonely even amidst a crowd. Beyond its emotional toll, loneliness carries serious health repercussions, potentially increasing the risk of premature death by 26%.
Loneliness in Teenagers
As teens seek more time with friends and less with family throughout their development, their social landscapes shift substantially. Friendships take precedence, and transitions between grades or schools during adolescence can disrupt established social networks, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. Understanding the development of loneliness during these formative years—and the factors that might prevent it—is crucial for supporting adolescent well-being.
Mapping Teenagers’ Loneliness in Finland
We conducted a longitudinal study involving 2,765 adolescents born in 2000 and attending schools in Helsinki, Finland. Over half of the participants identified as girls, and most indicated Finnish as their native language. More than half of both mothers and fathers of study participants had education beyond upper secondary school.
Participants were surveyed annually from ages 12 to 19 (between 2013 to 2019) regarding their feelings of loneliness. At the study’s beginning, they reported on their belongingness to various groups, spanning from small (e.g., family) to large (e.g., international organizations). In the study’s final year, adolescents shared insights on their mental, physical, and academic well-being.
Loneliness Levels Among Teens Over Time
Students completed a standardized questionnaire assessing their feelings of loneliness (e.g., “I have a feeling that I can’t rely on anyone”). Their responses were on a scale (1 = no, 2 = rarely, 3 = sometimes, and 4 = often).
On average, loneliness levels started slightly below “rarely” during primary school and increased to slightly above “rarely” by the end of upper secondary school, with noticeable increases between grades 8 and 9 (the final years of lower secondary school) and during the last two years of upper secondary school. However, this broad analysis simply displayed a collective pattern, concealing the nuances of individual experiences.
Diverse Loneliness Experiences Among Teens
To gain clearer insight into varying experiences underlying the overall average, we employed a statistical method called latent profile analysis to identify distinct loneliness trajectories. We discovered six trajectories, revealing how loneliness unfolded in diverse ways for various subgroups throughout adolescence. These trajectories can be classified into three general patterns, each containing two sub-patterns:
1. Stable trajectories:
Teens in these groups reported consistent loneliness levels throughout adolescence:
a. Stable low (about 50% of adolescents) replied “no” or “rarely” to loneliness-related statements.
b. Stable elevated (around 5%) indicated “sometimes.”
2. Gradual change trajectories:
Teens in these groups exhibited minimal and steady shifts in loneliness levels over adolescence:
a. Winding down (about 12%) began with moderate loneliness (a blend of “rarely” and “sometimes”) that tended to lessen over the years, despite occasional fluctuations.
b. Winding up (approximately 15%) fluctuated from “rarely” to “sometimes,” peaking notably in the year following the transition from lower to upper secondary school.
3. Peaking/volatile trajectories:
Teens in these groups demonstrated more abrupt changes:
a. Moderates with a seventh-grade peak (around 9%) typically reported “rarely” feeling lonely but saw temporary spikes to “sometimes” during their first year of lower secondary school.
b. Low becomes volatile (about 8%) began lower than “rarely” but surged to “sometimes” around the end of lower secondary school and fluctuated between these levels in ensuing years.
Prevalence of Loneliness Among Teens
Our analysis shows almost two-thirds of surveyed teens experienced loneliness primarily below “sometimes” (stable low and winding down trajectories).
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels
However, a considerable minority experienced consistently heightened loneliness (stable elevated) or fluctuating loneliness during specific periods (winding up, moderates with a seventh-grade peak, and low becomes volatile), reaching averages beyond “sometimes.” Some adolescents reported feeling lonely “often.”
Connecting Loneliness Trajectories to Mental Health and School Outcomes
We then explored how loneliness patterns correlated with adolescents’ self-reported well-being as they reached ages 18-19 (the concluding year of upper secondary school).
- Mental health: Adolescents on trajectories labeled stable elevated and moderates with a seventh-grade peak reported heightened depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction.
- Academic burnout: Students on the stable elevated and winding up trajectories experienced the most overwhelming feelings related to schoolwork.
- Grades: Contrary to our initial expectations, adolescents on a stable elevated loneliness trajectory maintained relatively high academic performance (i.e., high GPAs), while teens in the stable low loneliness trajectory exhibited lower GPAs.
- Substance use: Reported substance use (alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs) showed no significant difference among the groups linked to varying loneliness patterns.
These findings underscore the long-term challenges connected to adolescent loneliness—not just regarding emotional health but also concerning academic performance and burnout.
Unexpected Relationship Between Elevated Loneliness and High Academic Performance
While we anticipated a connection between loneliness and negative outcomes, including poorer academic performance, the patterns revealed that students with higher loneliness levels achieved better grades. Although these trends weren’t statistically significant, they invite further investigation.
One explanation could be that certain students allocate so much time to studying solo that they overlook social interactions. On the other hand, some may prioritize social connections over academic responsibilities. In this context, study groups, which blend socialization with course engagement, might benefit diverse student populations. Participating in a study group may help reduce loneliness while simultaneously supporting academic achievement.
Exploring Group Belongingness as a Protective Factor for Teens
What factors might differentiate teens who experience various loneliness trajectories? A notable aspect of our study was its focus on belongingness—the profound feeling of acceptance and approval, not just globally, but within distinct group contexts:
- Family
- Friend circles
- Educational settings
- Faith-based communities
- Hobby groups
- Membership organizations
- Online communities
- National and international societies
Study groups, which combine social interaction with academic focus, may assist a diverse student audience.
A lack of strong belonging to various groups was notably prevalent among adolescents on trajectories demonstrating elevated loneliness, whereas the highest feelings of belonging were common among teens on the stable low trajectory.
Does Belonging to Specific Groups Shield Teens from Loneliness?
Beneficial levels of belongingness across nearly all group types examined (except for religious communities) correlated with reduced feelings of loneliness. Feeling connected with friends, school, family, hobby circles, or larger national and international communities may help mitigate feelings of loneliness during adolescence. Consistent with other research on adolescent behavior, belonging particularly to friend groups effectively differentiated teens on varying loneliness trajectories.
While our study did not conclusively determine whether increased belongness directly leads to decreased loneliness, our findings are consistent with growing evidence suggesting that feelings of belonging serve as a robust buffer against loneliness. Remarkably, those on a consistently low loneliness trajectory reported multiple sources of belonging, indicating the advantage of engaging with various groups to mitigate loneliness risks.
Additionally, experimental evidence suggests that actively fostering belonging within groups can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to ensure groups are inclusive. It’s vital that adolescents do not feel alienated due to their religious beliefs or gender identities. Further research is required to balance the benefits of group involvement for members and the risks of exclusion for those who may not align with a given group’s identity (e.g., different ethnic backgrounds).
What We Know and What We Do Not Know About Teen Loneliness
Our study in Finland underscores the diversity of loneliness trajectories throughout adolescence, the critical nature of school transitions for social dynamics, and the protective factors and implications tied to loneliness.
Commonalities and Variations in Teen Loneliness Globally
While our focus limited the study to Finnish adolescents, research from various countries has identified specific loneliness trajectories throughout adolescence. Although variations exist, a common finding is that most adolescents report low loneliness levels, with a smaller segment grappling with chronic loneliness. Numerous studies conducted globally have also linked loneliness to depressive symptoms.
Although variations exist, a common finding is that most adolescents report low loneliness levels, with a smaller segment grappling with chronic loneliness.
Cultural factors may also affect how belonging to different groups relates to feelings of loneliness in various regions. In our research, the connection between religious communities and loneliness trajectories was insignificant—possibly reflecting Finland’s relatively secular culture. This observation emphasizes the importance of studying connections with specific groups instead of merely investigating broader feelings of belonging.
Final Reflections on Loneliness and Teens
Our research reveals intricate links between social belonging, loneliness, and both mental and academic health. As educational institutions and communities navigate increasing challenges in youth mental health, our findings illuminate a constructive path forward: investing in community-building initiatives. Whether through peer collaborations, hobby clubs, or inclusive school atmospheres, engendering a sense of belonging may serve as an effective remedy for alleviating the “terrible disease of loneliness,” as Kurt Vonnegut once identified in a commencement address.
