First Advisor

Jeri Lyons

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

5-3-2024

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Psychological Sciences, SPS Student Work

Abstract

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 Pandemic (Covid), American society has experienced what national officials have declared a public health crisis. This research aimed to explore the impact of America’s Epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation on traditional college students by identifying how perceptions of loneliness stigma and levels of awareness about loneliness affected the loneliness experiences of participants. Research spanning the last several decades has converged, revealing the vast and significant health and well-being outcomes associated with social isolation and loneliness. A lack of social connection and the loneliness it inflicted is linked to many adverse and dire consequences for individuals and society. Loneliness has the potential of shortening life expectancy by 29%. Time spent connecting socially had been declining for decades and has now plummeted to record-breaking lows. Unbeknownst to many, the increasingly widespread loneliness epidemic is likely crippling most of the population and infecting every level of society. Approximately half of Americans had self-reported loneliness prior to Covid, with the current generation of young people being among the most adversely affected. A mixed methods design was used to study a group of 20 undergraduate college students from a western university. Participants engaged in semi-structured interviews conducted both in-person or virtually. Instrument development derived from the Stigma of Loneliness Scale which incorporates UCLA’s Loneliness Scale. Scaling and multiple choice were used in quantitative measurements. Open-ended questions provided deeper insight into participants' perspectives and experiences of loneliness.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Psychology

Keywords

Loneliness; Social Isolation; Epidemic of Loneliness; Stigma of Loneliness; Public Health Crisis; College Students; Post-Covid

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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Psychology Commons

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