Abstract

FERREIRA, Débora et al. Isolamento social e sentimento de solidão em jovens adolescentes. Aná. Psicológica [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.2, pp.117-127. ISSN 0870-8231.

Studies on peers’ relationships highlight the importance of these for a healthy development, especially in adolescence. As such social isolation becomes a problem with renewed interest during adolescence. There are several studies linking social withdrawal and internalizing problems, such as loneliness. The present study aimed to verify the feelings of loneliness that withdrawn and aggressive adolescents express. We were also interested in examining if there is and how they manifest gender differences in feelings of loneliness for isolated/aggressive and isolated/withdrawn adolescents. Nine hundred adolescents participated in this study (446 females), aged between 12 and 15 years from two schools in Greater Lisbon. To achieve the goal we set ourselves, we applied two questionnaires: the ECP (Extended Class Play) and RPQ (Relational Provision Loneliness Questionnaire). Multivariate analysis of the RPQ dimensions by Group (control, isolated/withdrawn and isolated/aggressive) and Sex, reveled main effects for both factors. The results showed lower levels of peer integration for isolated/withdrawn adolescents relative to the Control Group. At the level of peer intimacy the isolated/withdrawn adolescents considered having significantly lower intimacy when compared to the control group. Gender differences were also found with girls considering themselves significantly more intimate with their peers than boys.

Keywords : Adolescence; Loneliness; Social withdrawal.

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