Children’s perceptions of loneliness
Part of : Hellenic journal of psychology ; Vol.5, No.3, 2008, pages 258-280
Issue:
Pages:
258-280
Author:
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine if Hymel, Tarulli, Hayden Thomson, andTerrell-Deutsch's (1999) three-dimension model of children's loneliness perceptionscould be applied in Greece, and to examine age and gender differences in theseperceptions. In addition, a more detailed examination of the emotional dimension in theperceptions of loneliness was attempted, based on Parkhurst and Hopmeyer's (1999)hypotheses for the emotions associated with loneliness. One-hundred and eighty 2nd-,4th-, and 6th-grade children from Athens were interviewed about their understandingand experience of loneliness. Responses fit Hymel et al.'s (1999) model for theperceptions of loneliness, with some additions. Children perceived loneliness as a painfulexperience with emotional, cognitive, and contextual dimensions. Statistically significantage and gender differences were found in these dimensions, as well as in the lonelinessrelatedemotions. The implications of these findings for the existing theoretical views onloneliness are discussed and suggestions for future research are made.
Keywords:
childhood, emotions, loneliness
Notes:
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