Antecedents and Responses Associated with Loneliness

Abstract

Although researchers have isolated various aspects of the loneliness experience, they have failed to comprehend the processes that occur along with, and as a result of, feeling lonely. This study addressed this issue by examining the relations between two sets of predictors (personal characteristics; situational and attributional variables), a `length of time lonely' variable and three responses associated with loneliness (affect, behaviour and physiological complaints). It was expected that each set of predictors would be linked to each measured response. Using the Loneliness Rating Scale and a biographic instrument which incorporated reasons for feeling lonely, plus behavioural and physiological responses connected to loneliness, data were collected from 279 college students and subjected to factor-analytic and multiple regression procedures. Results suggested that participants experienced four physiological complaints while lonely (stress, impaired body functioning, physical discomfort and feeling physically drained), and utilized four behavioural strategies to cope with loneliness (active solitude, drugs or sex, self-indulgence and social contact). Results also suggested that the predictor variables differentially contributed to each set of responses. Overall, a greater amount of variance was explained by the situational and attributional variables than by the personal characteristics or the `time lonely' variable. Based on this, it appears that to understand the particular responses of lonely individuals one must comprehend their reasons for feeling lonely and the type of expectations that they have for the future of their loneliness experience.