Goodfellow, C. , Hardoon, D., Inchley, J. , Leyland, A. H. , Qualter, P., Simpson, S. A. and Long, E. (2022) Loneliness and personal well-being in young people: moderating effects of individual, interpersonal, and community factors. Journal of Adolescence, 94(4), pp. 554-568. (doi: 10.1002/jad.12046) (PMID:35403218) (PMCID:PMC9320932)
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Abstract
Introduction: Loneliness is prevalent among young people. But, there is little work exploring the association between loneliness with well-being among this age group. Framed by social-ecological theory, we examined demographic, interpersonal, and community factors associated with personal wellbeing and, critically, identified malleable moderators of the relationship between loneliness and well-being that could be targeted in intervention efforts. Methods: We used cross-sectional, secondary data from 965 young people (aged 16–24) from the Community Life Survey in England. Loneliness was measured using a single-item direct measure; personal wellbeing was measured through a composite measure containing items assessing happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense that life is worthwhile (α = 0.88). Regression techniques were used to assess associations between individual, interpersonal, and community factors and well-being, and to identify moderators of the relationship between loneliness and well-being. Results: Loneliness was negatively associated with well-being. Chatting with neighbors and having people to provide help moderated the relationship between loneliness and well-being. Full-time students and those with good physical health had higher well-being while being a carer was predictive of lower well-being. All community variables were strongly associated with increased well-being. Of all interpersonal variables investigated, only having people to count on was associated with increased well-being. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that supportive relationships and close community ties are important for reducing the negative impact of loneliness on youth well-being. Interventions to improve well-being could benefit from targeting these aspects of young people's social and community lives, while acknowledging individual vulnerabilities, such as poor physical health.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Long, Dr Emily and Goodfellow, Ms Claire and Leyland, Professor Alastair and Simpson, Professor Sharon and Inchley, Dr Joanna |
| Authors: | Goodfellow, C., Hardoon, D., Inchley, J., Leyland, A. H., Qualter, P., Simpson, S. A., and Long, E. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Adolescence |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| ISSN: | 0140-1971 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1095-9254 |
| Published Online: | 10 April 2022 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2022 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Adolescence 94(4): 554-568 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
| Data DOI: | 10.5255/UKDA-SN-8478-1 |
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