Abstract:

Loneliness represents a negative feeling that arises when individuals perceive a discrepancy between actual and desired social relationships. Using a qualitative approach, the present study explored the meanings and personal experiences of loneliness in children and early adolescents in Italy. Participants included 139 children and early adolescents aged 8–14 years (M = 10.76 years, SD = 1.71; 70 girls, 57.6%) who completed an online semi-structured interview. Results from the descriptive analysis provided evidence of the multidimensional nature of loneliness, defined and experienced through different dimensions (e.g., cognitive, emotional, and regarding interpersonal context). Additionally, participants discussed loneliness in relation to both their family and peers. Some children and adolescents expressed experiencing loneliness voluntarily. Children and early adolescents reported to feel sadness, anger and other emotions as boredom, happiness, and fear in associations with loneliness. Gender and grade differences were also found. Primary school children and boys defined and experienced loneliness using the physical separation dimension. Middle school childrens defined more frequently loneliness using the cognitive dimension. Overall, the present study offers a richer understanding of the meanings and experiences of loneliness in youth and highlights the importance of considering developmental, gender, and cultural factors when studying loneliness.