Between emotional dependency and loneliness: a cross-sectional study with medical students

Introduction: Emotional dependency and feelings of loneliness have emerged as critical areas of study, reflecting the challenges faced by contemporary society and higher education. Objective: To analyze the relationship between emotional dependency and feelings of loneliness among medical students. Methods: The study employed a quantitative approach, non-experimental, and cross-sectional in design. A total of 224 medical students aged between 17 and 35 years participated, selected through non-probability sampling. Two instruments were used: the Emotional Dependency Questionnaire (EDQ) and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Results: No significant correlation was found between emotional dependency and feelings of loneliness (p = .382, Rho = .059). 61.61% exhibited moderate emotional dependency, while 74.55% reported moderate feelings of loneliness, and no relationships were identified between the dimensions of the variables. Women showed greater susceptibility to feelings of loneliness than men, but emotional dependency was similar in both groups Conclusion: Although the overall findings do not support a significant relationship between emotional dependency and loneliness, these results suggest that feelings of loneliness and emotional dependency may operate independently in this population, with exceptions in specific contexts. Attention should be paid to women regarding issues of loneliness from a psychological perspective.