Trajectories of Loneliness during Childhood and Adolescence: Predictors and health outcomes

Qualter, Pamela, Brown, Stephen Lloyd, Rotenberg, K J, Vanhalst, J, Harris, Rebecca orcid iconORCID: 0000-0003-4326-2425, Goossens, L, Bangee, M and Munn, P (2013) Trajectories of Loneliness during Childhood and Adolescence: Predictors and health outcomes. Journal of Adolescence, 36 (6). pp. 1283-1293. ISSN 0140-1971

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.01.00...

Abstract

The present study employed latent growth mixture modeling to discern distinct trajectories of loneliness using data collected at 2-year intervals from age 7-17 years (N = 586) and examine whether measures taken at age 5 years were good predictors of group membership. Four loneliness trajectory classes were identified: (1) low stable (37% of the sample), (2) moderate decliners (23%), (3) moderate increasers (18%), and (4) relatively high stable (22%). Predictors at age 5 years for the high stable trajectory were low trust beliefs, low trusting, low peer acceptance, parent reported negative reactivity, an internalizing attribution style, low self-worth, and passivity during observed play. The model also included outcome variables. We found that both the high stable and moderate increasing trajectories were associated with depressive symptoms, a higher frequency of visits to the doctor, and lower perceived general health at age 17. We discuss implications of findings for future empirical work.


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