Existential loneliness among adolescents

Background: Adolescence is associated with different feelings and experiences that can negatively affect adolescents’ health and well-being. In the transition between childhood and adulthood, experiences of loneliness are common. A deep form of loneliness is described as existential loneliness. Studies among adults in vulnerable situations have shown that existential loneliness often arises in connection with transitions and is related to suffering, but may lead to positive experiences when acknowledged and addressed.
Aim: Highlight existential loneliness among adolescents
Method: We made a qualitative study based on narrative interviews with 16 adolescents (median age 17.5), with the aim of exploring adolescents’ experiences of existential loneliness. The data were analysed inductively
using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Existential loneliness among adolescents was related to experiences of social exclusion and “in-betweenness”. To alleviate their suffering, the adolescents sometimes tried to avoid burdensome feelings and thoughts, even if it meant doing things they knew were not good for them. Sharing one’s inner life with another person is not always easy and the adolescents chose between sharing or not sharing their inner lives with someone else. They wanted to be listened to and understood by someone they could trust.
Discussion: Existential loneliness is part of being human and adolescents experience existential loneliness in the transition between childhood and adulthood. We found that existential loneliness among adolescents is
connected to experiencing social exclusion and “in-betweenness”, which can be interpreted as a sense of not belonging. Adolescents may need assistance in dealing with existential loneliness, as well as with finding constructive and healthy ways of recuperating from the suffering.