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Demographic Disparities Among Emerging Adults Experiencing Loneliness
Brennan Keiser1, Karina Cortez1, Chialing Hsu1
1Department of Family Medicine University of Washington.
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Young adults experience high rates of loneliness. Women, nonbinary individuals, sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups, and single individuals reported higher loneliness, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Loneliness is a growing concern linked to adverse health outcomes.
- Research on loneliness has primarily focused on older adults, neglecting young adults who report the highest prevalence.
- Emerging adults (ages 18-25) represent a critical demographic for studying loneliness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate loneliness rates within various subgroups of emerging adults.
- To identify specific demographic factors associated with increased loneliness in young adults.
- To inform the development of targeted interventions for loneliness in primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to emerging adults within a large primary-care health system.
- Data were collected from 243 emerging adult respondents.
- Statistical analyses, including bivariate analyses and logistic regression, were employed.
Main Results:
- Over half (56%) of emerging adult respondents reported experiencing loneliness.
- Women, nonbinary individuals, and sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups reported significantly higher rates of loneliness compared to men and heterosexual individuals, respectively.
- Individuals who were single reported higher loneliness than those in relationships.
Conclusions:
- It is feasible to identify emerging adults experiencing loneliness in primary care settings.
- Findings underscore the necessity for tailored loneliness interventions to address health disparities in this age group.
- Early identification and intervention can mitigate the negative health impacts of loneliness among young adults.
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