Loneliness is a common experience for many people (Rubenstein et al., 1979) and most lonely individuals experience a variety of comorbid disorders (Heinrich & Gullone, 2006). Adolescent loneliness is particularly problematic, due to the rapid changes that take place in the peer social world (Laursen & Hartl, 2013). Prior evidence ties loneliness to low group status and victimization (Asher & Paquette, 2003), but we do not fully understand the transmission mechanisms. A full longitudinal mediation design (Fritz & MacKinnon, 2012) was used to test the hypotheses that social withdrawal mediates the association from loneliness to changes in peer status and peer difficulties victimization among adolescents. Results indicated that the longitudinal associations between loneliness and peer outcomes were mediated by social withdrawal. Successful engagement with peers is vital to navigating the complex social world of adolescence, thus the results provide an impetus for aiding lonely adolescents in improving their social connections. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Most theoretical and methodological research addressing victimization, social support, and loneliness has focused on early childhood and adulthood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between victimizing behavior and lack of social support that may lead to loneliness in adolescents. / A cross sectional survey with 152 students ages 12-16 years from grades 8-10 was conducted in a Montreal public secondary school in September 2004. Three empirically validated tools were used: the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell et al., 1980), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), and the Bullying - Fighting and Victimization Scale (Espelage and Holt, 2001). Results of regression analysis indicated that absence of family and friends' support and victimization are highly significant predictors of adolescent loneliness (p ≤ .001). / There remains a need to increase support available for victimized and lonely adolescents at school, at home, and in the community.

No description available.

The high school to college transition may be especially influential in creating feelings of social loneliness in adolescents. Failure to establish social structures may lead to feelings of loneliness and an increased need for social approval from their peers in the new environment. It was therefore predicted that the more lonely a student is, the more likely he/she would look for approval from others and the more likely he/she would acquiesce to a decision to participate in unethical actions proposed by peers. This prediction was tested in a sample of 158 female and 133 male college students. The evidence suggests that participants who were the most lonely were most likely to report a willingness to engage in unethical behaviors when encouraged by others. However, contrary to expectations, the need for approval did not mediate the relationship between loneliness and unethical behavior. Gender differences were found in the endorsement of unethical behaviors. Male participants were more likely to report a willingness to engage in unethical acts than were female participants. / Department of Psychological Science

published_or_final_version / Educational Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Melbourne, 2002. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Apr. 30, 2005). Includes bibliographical references (p. 337-363).