Age differences in conceptualisations of loneliness: a qualitative exploration of youth perspectives

Loneliness is a common experience during adolescence, yet little research has explored how loneliness is conceptualised and experienced according to adolescents at different stages of development. The current study examines the perspectives of young people aged 8–24 years on experiences of loneliness in youth. Arts-based workshops and focus groups (n = 145) were conducted to explore youths' perspectives on loneliness, youth were grouped according to age to examine differences between age groups. Thematic analyses were used to develop key themes across age groups, and similarities and differences were explored. Five overarching themes and 14 subthemes were developed including perceiving discrepancies in your relationships, lacking people you connect with, and unhelpful thinking styles. The experience and perceived causes of loneliness shift across developmental stages. Findings underscore the importance of age-sensitive approaches to understanding youth loneliness, highlighting how the nature of relationships involved in loneliness experiences vary with age.