Problem of Loneliness in Adolescence

Abstract

Background. The problem of loneliness is one of the least studied in psychological science. At present, the unified approach to understanding loneliness in psychology has not changed, which makes it difficult to consider various factors at a particular age stage. In the conditions of the modern world, it is increasingly the youth that provides an increase in the experience of loneliness, in connection with which not only the separation of age characteristics from character becomes visible, but also the possible manifestation of the causes and factors of loneliness.

Objective. The purpose of the article is to identify and describe the factors that influence the formation of loneliness.

Methods. The main methods used in this work were epistemological and analytical methods, as well as the method of classification.

Results. A brief analysis of theoretical approaches to understanding loneliness is given. The presented provisions of the author’s approach are based on the existential and humanistic models. The construct of loneliness presented for study is considered as a personal resource. The advantages of the need to identify various groups of loneliness factors are revealed, in particular external and intrapersonal ones, which provide a more in-depth study of the phenomenon of loneliness and reveal some of its characteristics. It is shown that the analysis of loneliness factors can contribute to the development of strategies in helping people experiencing loneliness. A version of therapeutic work based on the modeling of situations of solitude with psychologist’s clients experiencing loneliness is suggested.

Conclusions. The obtained results allowed us to establish that the study of loneliness factors is one of the main tasks in the framework of studying the phenomenon of loneliness. The groups of factors we have identified allow us to expand our understanding of the nature of loneliness, in addition, this also allows us to approach the question of how to implement theoretical provisions in the counselling, therapeutic and other activities of a practitioner in psychology.