Loneliness in children and adolescents

Feeling lonely is a sad but relatively common experience for children, adolescents, and adults. When loneliness becomes a frequently occurring phenomenon, there are serious implications for emotional and physical well-being. The concept of loneliness can be described in relation to psychosocial development. Loneliness in children and adolescents is a relatively new research topic. In this paper the author reviews research for both age groups. Pediatric nurses should recognize the importance of identifying children and adolescents at high risk for the development of chronic loneliness. Nursing interventions for assisting the lonely child or adolescent are described briefly.