Loneliness in Adolescence Can Take a Self-Perpetuating Turn

Loneliness is a universal human experience that virtually everyone encounters. But chronic loneliness, particularly in adolescence, can have profound consequences.

To shed light on this often-overlooked phenomenon, psychologists Sally Hang and colleagues (2024) have published a new model of adolescent loneliness whose virtue lies in its holistic nature, as it integrates biological, social, and personality factors.

Loneliness Peaks in Adolescence

While loneliness can strike at any age, adolescence appears to be a particularly vulnerable time. More than 50% of adolescents report experiencing loneliness repeatedly, a stark contrast to the less than 20% of children who report similar experiences.

Why is loneliness so prevalent in this age group?

Adolescence is marked by numerous developmental changes, bodily and emotional.

Adolescence is a time when social relationships become central to one’s identity, and when friends and peer groups take on heightened importance.

Teens are highly attuned to the social dynamics around them, often comparing their social standing to that of their peers.

When adolescents perceive themselves as being less connected or accepted than others, loneliness can set in.

A Unique Lens in the Shadow of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the issue of loneliness in youth. According to Hang et al. (2024), the social isolation measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the virus had unintended psychological consequences, with many young people experiencing increased feelings of seclusion, meaninglessness, and even suicidal ideation.

The lack of in-person social interaction, combined with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, led to a rise in mood disorders among adolescents. This pandemic-induced loneliness has provided a unique lens through which the authors could study the effects of social isolation on mental health.

Biological Stress Reactivity and Loneliness

One of the novel contributions of Hang et al.'s (2024) examination is its exploration of the biological underpinnings of adolescent loneliness, particularly the role of stress reactivity.

Adolescence is a time of increased stress, stemming from social pressures and the biological changes associated with puberty. This increased stress reactivity plays a significant role in withdrawal behaviors.

When adolescents face stress, their bodies release greater levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The corresponding changes in cardiovascular function can influence social behavior.

Some adolescents may adopt a "fight-or-flight" response, becoming more prone to conflict or social withdrawal when faced with stress. Unfortunately, these behaviors can push others away, leading to further isolation and exacerbating feelings of loneliness.

Interestingly, not all adolescents respond to stress in the same way. Hang and colleagues (2024) discuss an alternative stress response known as "tend-and-befriend," in which some people respond to stress by seeking out social connections and exhibiting prosocial behaviors.

Underdeveloped Emotional Regulation Skills

Chronic loneliness during adolescence is not just a fleeting emotion—it has long-term consequences for mental health. The authors point to a troubling link between persistent loneliness and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, and even suicidal ideation.

Adolescents who experience persistent, unyielding loneliness are more likely to struggle with mood disorders, which can persist into adulthood and have long-term impacts on their well-being.

Puberty (like menopause) can temporarily make someone unable to regulate their emotions. Paradoxically, loneliness can also make it harder to control emotions. When alone, a person is more prone to feel unwanted or discarded.

This self-negativity can intensify stress and perpetuate a negative outlook and loss of emotional control.

Personality Traits and Social Relationships

Among the root causes of loneliness in adolescence, Hang et al. (2024) also found that certain personality traits can put their bearers at greater risk of experiencing higher levels of lonesomeness, friendlessness, and abandonment. Young people high in introversion and neuroticism on the 5-Factor Personality Model are predisposed to feel lonely and unworthy of being loved.

For example, adolescents high in introversion have significantly greater difficulties initiating social interactions, whereas those high in neuroticism are substantially more sensitive to rejection and social slights, increasing both personality types' proneness to withdrawal and loneliness.

The quality of an adolescent's social relationships also plays a significant role in their experience of loneliness. Poor relationships with parents, siblings, and peers can all contribute to feelings of social isolation.

As the authors note, adolescents who experience peer rejection, victimization, or bullying are particularly vulnerable to lifelong loneliness. These negative social experiences can have long-lasting effects, further perpetuating feelings of solitude and being undeserving of the attention or care of others.

Loneliness Seesawing

Based on their analysis of existing findings, the authors propose a model that describes loneliness in adolescence as a self-perpetuating cycle. Indeed, one of the more concerning aspects of chronic loneliness is its self-perpetuating nature.

For example, lonely adolescents may withdraw from social situations or exhibit mood changes that make it difficult to maintain relationships. These behaviors, in turn, can exacerbate their loneliness.

Lacking the skills to regulate their emotions effectively, adolescents who experience loneliness may respond to stress by withdrawing or engaging in conflict with others.

These behaviors, in turn, lead to further social disconnection, reinforcing the feelings of loneliness. This vicious cycle can be difficult to break, especially when left unaddressed.

Social withdrawal is particularly problematic because it creates a feedback loop. When adolescents pull away from social situations, they miss out on opportunities for positive social interaction, which could help alleviate their loneliness. Instead, their isolation deepens, and their perception of being unloved or unwanted becomes more entrenched.

Loneliness Interventions

Given the profound, long-term impact of chronic loneliness on mental health and well-being, the authors argue that it is essential to intervene early and holistically. The authors emphasize the importance of strategies to target the root causes.

One approach is to address the underlying stress responses through mindfulness-based stress and negativity reduction programs.

A second approach is to improve the quality of the adolescent's social relationships. Programs that foster positive peer interactions, promote assertiveness, and teach social and emotional regulation skills can prove useful.

It is also important to consider the role of adult relationships in combating loneliness. Adolescents who feel supported and connected to their parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, or school counselors are less likely to experience unwarranted loneliness.

Adult relationship-based interventions that focus on improving the adolescent's ability to stand up for themselves, while helping them foster authentic feelings of independence and self-acceptance can provide a protective buffer against loneliness for years to come.