Factors affecting the loneliness of isolated and withdrawn youth

Objectives This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the loneliness experienced by isolated and withdrawn youth, with the goal of exploring intervention strategies to prevent the social problems arising from their loneliness. Methods The study was conducted using data from the 2022 Seoul City Survey on Isolated and Withdrawn Youth, focusing on 486 individuals classified as isolated and withdrawn. Factors influencing the loneliness of these youth included pre-adult experiences, post-adult experiences, daily routines, interaction partners, interaction frequency, depression, and subjective health status. To analyze the impact of these variables on loneliness, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted, controlling for gender, education level, age, and family socioeconomic status. Results Significant gender differences were observed only in the frequency of interactions among variables related to loneliness in isolated and withdrawn youth. Age differences were significant only in post-adulthood experiences, with individuals aged 19-24 reporting fewer post-adulthood crises compared to other age groups. Socioeconomic status (SES) of the family was associated with significant differences in loneliness, pre-adulthood experiences, post-adulthood experiences, daily routines, depression, and subjective health status. However, loneliness in isolated and withdrawn youth showed no significant correlation with interaction partners or interaction frequency. Factors that significantly influenced their loneliness were identified as post-adulthood experiences, daily routines, and depression. Conclusions To prevent the issue of loneliness among isolated and withdrawn youth, it has been proposed to strengthen activities such as sports, volunteering, club participation, and social-emotional learning (SEL) in middle and high schools. Additionally, the development of customized services tailored to the varying levels of loneliness experienced by these youth has also been recommended.