Loneliness in emerging adulthood: A qualitative study using cultural probes and interviews

BACKGROUND: Prolonged loneliness in emerging adults is a public health concern associated with poor mental health such as symptoms of depression and anxiety that may have negative implications for health and well-being in later life. This study aimed to explore how prolonged loneliness is experienced and coped with by emerging adults in their everyday life. METHODS: The study is a thematic analysis of qualitative data consisting of cultural probes and in-depth interviews. 21 emerging adults (mean age 21.3) completed cultural probes consisting of open and evocative activities for them to delve into in their own time thereby contributing to depicting their story about loneliness in everyday life. After completion of the probes, participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview-guide. RESULTS: Through thematic analysis of the cultural probe material and interview data we identified three main themes: ‘the many faces of loneliness’ (subthemes: social exclusion and bullying, life interrupted, disconnected in a connected world), ‘internal struggles: the interplay between low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, and mental health’ (subthemes: trapped in self-doubt, labelled and lonely), and ‘the duality of coping strategies’ (subthemes: reconnecting with others, distracting activities). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of prolonged loneliness among emerging adults and offers insights into the reasons underlying loneliness. Moreover, the findings can contribute to developing interventions aimed at reducing loneliness in emerging adults. The rich data from the cultural probes were subsequently used to create a traveling exhibition, which facilitates dialogue on loneliness. KEY MESSAGES: • Prolonged loneliness in emerging adults is a public health concern associated with poor mental health, which may have negative implications for health and well-being in later life. • Insights on coping strategies and loneliness experiences of emerging adults in the study can help inform interventions aimed at reducing loneliness.