1.M. Scientific session: Young and lonely – exploring experiences, challenges, and potential solutions
Authors:   Organised by: Defactum (Denmark)Chair persons: Julie Christiansen (Denmark), Anne Friis Bo (Denmark)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Experiencing loneliness is a natural facet of human existence, often considered a normative aspect of adolescent life. However, for some adolescents, this experience evolves into a ‘vicious circle’ of prolonged loneliness, making it challenging to reconnect with their social environment. This issue is important given the significance of fulfilling social relationships during adolescence. Peer relationships are particularly important in facilitating various developmental processes such as identity formation, asserting of autonomy from parental influence, and acquisition of social skills. Loneliness among adolescents is notably high, as evidenced by mounting research highlighting its prevalence in this age group surpassing other age groups. Research spanning adulthood and old age consistently demonstrates loneliness as a risk factor for both mental and physical health outcomes, including stress, depression, chronic diseases, and premature mortality. Even during adolescence, loneliness is associated with adverse mental and physical health, with potential long-term consequences extending into adulthood. These findings underscore the imperative of addressing adolescent loneliness and the need for effective interventions and widespread solutions tailored to this demographic. This workshop aims to address adolescent loneliness, exploring their experiences, challenges, and the consequences of loneliness, while also addressing possibilities for mitigation and prevention. Through three presentations followed by a joint discussion with the audience, participants will gain important insights into this critical issue. The workshop will be chaired by Asst. Prof. Julie Christiansen (Defactum - Public Health Research, Denmark, and University of Southern Denmark). Julie Christiansen will provide an introductory overview, describing current knowledge of adolescent loneliness including prevalence, ascendants, and consequences, based on findings from the Danish National Health Survey (How are you?”). The first presentation will be given by Lily Verity (University of Manchester, UK), who will present the findings from a qualitative research study with adolescents highlighting factors that influence their approach to coping with loneliness. Following this, Prof. Mathias Lasgaard (Defactum - Public Health Research, Denmark, and University of Southern Denmark) and Dr. Anne Friis Bo (Defactum - Public Health Research, Denmark) will provide an overview of the intervention landscape, including current knowledge on the effectiveness of various intervention strategies. The presentation will also highlight the potential of community-based approaches. This will be exemplified through an introduction to the Danish initiative ‘More Together’ including 36 partners in Silkeborg Municipality. Lastly, Ph.D. student Lauren Burke (University of Manchester, UK) will present the findings from a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of loneliness interventions for children and adolescents.

Key messages
• The prevalence of loneliness among adolescents surpasses that of other age groups, substantiated by extensive research spanning nations.
• Loneliness during adolescence is potentially modifiable through targeted interventions.