Chair:
Jessica Hemberg (Åbo Akademi University)
Thursday Nov 9th 2023 at 9.00–11.30 (online)
Mental health problems among adolescents and young adults are increasing worldwide along with loneliness, which is considered a global public health problem. Loneliness is complex and linked to several aspects among adolescents and young adults, and its causes are important to explore from lived experiences together with the relations to social media and educational transitions, in order to find ways of alleviating involuntary loneliness and supporting these vulnerable young groups of individuals. In this symposium, with four paper presentations, the topic is to explore experiences of loneliness and its causes according to professionals’ views, and also loneliness and its relations to educational transitions and to guardians and family according to adolescents’ and young adults’ depictions will be uncovered. The methods used are in-depts interviews and content analysis was used as a data analysis method.
Professionals youth workers views on involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults and their thoughts about its alleviation. A qualitative interview study.
Yulia Korzhina (Åbo Akademi University)
Jessica Hemberg (Åbo Akademi University)
Pia Nyman-Kurkiala (Åbo Akademi University)
Loneliness and mental ill-health among young people in Finland is a highly topical and escalating societal problem that requires immediate research efforts. Finnish professional youth workers possess unique practical knowledge of young people’s individual experiences of loneliness and how it can be alleviated. The aim of this study is therefore to deepen the understanding of involuntary loneliness among young people based on professionals’ views. The research questions were: 1. What causes involuntary loneliness among young people from the perspective of professionals? and 2. What working methods and strategies are or could be used to prevent loneliness among young people? The study has a qualitative research approach where three qualitative focus group interviews are conducted with 15 professionals who work with young people. The participants were recruited by the researcher sending out information letters to unit managers at the selected youth stations and youth workshops in Ostrobothnia. After that, the participants were recruited by self-selection. The analysis method consists of qualitative content analysis. The results showed that mental illness, global changes in society and the feeling of exclusion on various levels can be causes that contribute to loneliness among young people. A holistic approach and collaboration with other actors characterize the working methods used to prevent loneliness among young people. The study shows that loneliness among young people is a multifaceted phenomenon that can have different causes and is alleviated through holistic thinking and collaboration. Professionals working with young people as well as families may benefit in practice from the results of this study.
Experiences of loneliness among young new parents
Martina Meyer-Österlund (Åbo Akademi University)
Jessica Hemberg (Åbo Akademi University)
Pia Nyman-Kurkiala (Åbo Akademi University)
Early parenthood is an important developmental stage during which dramatic change is experienced, and new parents sense of loneliness can increase. However, there are few studies on how new parents experience loneliness. The aim of this study was to explore new parents experiences of loneliness and the factors related to such. The theoretical framework is based on the theory of the caritative caring, and qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was used. Data were collected through interviews with ten participants: first-, second- or third-time parents living in Finland with at least one child aged 0-3 years. The analysis generated two main themes: Challenges linked to becoming a parent and Different types of loneliness. New parents experiences of loneliness appear to be complex, subjective, and frequently related to other experiences or phenomena. The results can help increase understanding of perceived loneliness as a phenomenon, whereby social welfare and health care professionals can support new parents. Deeper understanding of the vulnerability of new parents alongside the need for an empathetic and sensitive approach and the introduction of support networks can promote well-being. Low-threshold counseling and other preventive measures should be introduced so that the well-being of entire families can be promoted. Future research could focus on exploring the type of interventions new parents would like and how new fathers experience loneliness.
Young people’s experiences of loneliness and mental illness in relation to guardians and family
Monika Calrén (Åbo Akademi University)
Jessica Hemberg (Åbo Akademi University)
Pia Nyman-Kurkiala (Åbo Akademi University)
Research has shown that guardians are important when it comes to young people’s experiences of loneliness. The purpose of the study was to investigate young people’s experiences of loneliness and desired support in relation to guardians and their own family. In the study, 10 young people aged 19-27 were interviewed. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that the young person can experience loneliness in relation to the guardians in connection with crises in the family such as divorce, illness and death. Conflicts between parents and siblings as well as moving from the parental home can be a cause of perceived loneliness. Young people may want to protect their parents from discomfort and therefore avoid telling their parents about their experiences of loneliness. The guardians’ lack of support and diminishing of the young person’s experience can provoke feelings of guilt and shame in the young person and that the young person may feel accused by their guardians. The parents’ treatment can be erratic, and they may have a lack of understanding of the young person’s suffering and lack of ability to help and support. The young person may find it difficult to tell and contradict the parents. Young people may miss deep discussions with their parents and suffer from parents not asking about their experiences. Parents’ screen time can affect the young person’s experience of loneliness. Young people want their parents to ask about their experiences and they want to have deeper discussions with their parents. Young people want parents to act early when they notice that the young person is experiencing loneliness and that the parents come up with concrete proposals for solutions and measures to alleviate the young person’s experience of loneliness. Young people want their guardians to provide support by asking questions, listening to the young person, and giving the young person love and affirmation. Further research could focus on guardians’ perspectives on young people’s loneliness.
Young peoples experiences of transitions and its relation to loneliness and mental health.
Amanda Sundqvist (Åbo Akademi University)
Jessica Hemberg (Åbo Akademi University)
Pia Nyman-Kurkiala (Åbo Akademi University)
Ottar Ness (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Young people undergo various transitions which might impact their experiences of loneliness and mental health. The study aim was to explore young peoples experiences of transitions and how it relates to loneliness and mental health. Qualitative interviews were conducted on young people aged 17-29. Young people experienced transitions as a stressful time contributing to many new adjustments and a time for identity exploration. However, many also looked forward to the change. Some experienced loneliness and mental ill-health due to loss of their previous networks, the experience not corresponding with their expectations, increased demands, and not fitting in. Preparation for transition, support from teachers, psychologists and counselors could make the transition easier.