Psychosocial, Behavioral, and Clinical Correlates of Loneliness in Adolescent Cancer Survivors at the Transition off Treatment

Loneliness is common during adolescence, yet is poorly understood in adolescents with cancer. This study examined associations between loneliness and psychosocial, physical, and lifestyle factors. Among 49 adolescents ending treatment, 35.5% felt 'lonely' (state of feeling isolated) and 26.9% felt 'alone' (physical state of not having others around). Feeling 'lonely' (adjusted for sex) and 'alone' were associated with negative illness perceptions (r = 0.50, p = 0.00; r = 0.35, p = 0.02), increased anxiety (r = 0.65, p = 0.00; r = 0.68, p = 0.00), lower mindfulness (r = -0.68, p = 0.00; r = -0.62, p = 0.00), increased vaping (r = 0.34, p = 0.02; r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and marijuana use (lonely: r = 0.37, p = 0.01). Findings indicate loneliness may relate to emotional and behavioral risks.