Understanding Presence and Nature of Loneliness in Adolescents in Kolkata: An Exploratory Study

By : Nilakshi Ghosh, Susmita Halder

Page No: 335-344

Abstract
Adolescence is a stage in human development which is supposedly filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and one’s own created or imagined external world. The feeling of loneliness could be a subjective experience which may vary from one individual to another. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence or absence of loneliness in adolescents in Kolkata. Total 100 adolescents, age range of 12-17 of both sexes from nuclear and joint family types were selected. 50 females and 50 males were the participants. The Short-form of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, ULS-8 was used. Results suggest that majority of the adolescents experience loneliness and, majority of the adolescents with loneliness belong to the nuclear family type. Findings also reveal that a greater number of females have reported loneliness as compared to their male counterparts. In conclusion, loneliness in adolescents should be considered and likewise identification, intervention and management should be done.

Authors :
Nilakshi Ghosh : Psychologist – Autism Care, Kolkata.
Susmita Halder : Associate Professor – Department of Psychology, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2023.18.02.16