Psychological Profiles of Socially Isolated Young Adults in South Korea: A Latent Profile Analysis of Self-Esteem and Depression, and Differences in Life Satisfaction

Background: Social isolation among young adults—a growing concern worldwide—is associated with poor psychological outcomes, including low self-esteem and depression. In South Korea, socially isolated young adults have recently gained policy attention; however, knowledge regarding their psychological heterogeneity remains limited. Consequently, this study aimed to identify latent profiles of socially isolated young adults based on self-esteem and depression, examine predictors of profile membership, and assess differences in life satisfaction across the identified profiles. Methods: Data were collected using an online survey of 302 socially isolated young adults aged 19 to 34 in South Korea. Measures included self-esteem, depression, social support, subjective health, negative life experiences, the frequency of going out, and income-generating activity. We employed latent profile analysis using self-esteem and depression as profile indicators and examined predictors of profile membership. Life satisfaction was assessed as a distal outcome across the identified profiles. Results: The following three profiles were identified: the psychologically moderately vulnerable (PMV) group (34.4%), the psychologically highly vulnerable (PHV) group (57.3%), and the psychologically stable (PS) group (8.3%). Predictors of subgroup membership included older age, poorer health, adverse childhood experiences, lower social support, lower frequency of going out, and income-generating activity. Life satisfaction was the highest in PS ( M = 4.19), followed by PHV ( M = 2.55), and the lowest in PMV ( M = 1.52). Conclusions: This study’s findings indicate that socially isolated young adults are not a homogeneous group but differ in psychological characteristics and associated factors. Interventions should focus on alleviating depression, improving self-esteem, and enhancing social support. Policies should extend beyond employment-oriented approaches to address this population’s diverse psychological and social needs.