The Role of Temperament in Adolescent Loneliness: Psychological Flexibility as a Protective Factor

Abstract Purpose This study investigated the associations between dimensions of temperament and loneliness in adolescents and further explored whether the associations differed according to adolescents’ psychological flexibility. Methods 885 Finnish Grade 9 adolescents ( M age 15.80, girls 56.4%) filled in questionnaires on their temperament, loneliness and psychological flexibility. Results High levels of Negative affectivity (NA) and Affiliativeness (AF) were identified as potential risk factors for adolescent loneliness, while high Effortful Control (EC) was found to be associated with lower levels of loneliness. Additionally, psychological flexibility was found to buffer the effect of high NA and high AF on loneliness, suggesting that psychological flexibility can protect against loneliness in adolescents presenting temperamental risk factors. Conclusions In light of this novel finding, we posit that promoting adolescent psychological flexibility with values- and acceptance-based interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can make important contributions in efforts to tackle adolescent loneliness.