Social belonging, mattering and NEET status: understanding loneliness in emerging adulthood in Norway

In this study, we examine loneliness in emerging adulthood among NEET and non-NEET individuals in Norway and identify correlates across social, psychological, and structural domains. We used data from 3933 participants aged 18 to 29, collected in 2021 in a regional public health survey in Norway. Age patterns in loneliness were visualized with LOESS and predictors were assessed with multiple linear regression. Loneliness followed a curvilinear pattern, peaking in the mid-twenties and declining toward the late twenties, and was consistently higher among NEET than non-NEET individuals. The model explained about 42 percent of the variance in loneliness. Strongest associations with lower loneliness were observed for social support, local belonging, mattering, and better subjective health, while being female and NEET status were associated with higher loneliness. Findings point to interventions that strengthen supportive environments, inclusive local communities, and opportunities for meaningful participation.