The views of young people on how to prevent or address loneliness: analysis of British survey data from the BBC Loneliness Experiment

Abstract

Loneliness in adolescence is a promising intervention target because of the high prevalence of loneliness at this developmental stage, the demonstrable associations with mental illness, and potential to prevent the onset of mental disorder. However, the acceptability of loneliness interventions to adolescents is questionable, and may explain the weak trial evidence to support effectiveness. In the current study, we captured the views of young people about which interventions they recommended for preventing or addressing loneliness. Using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics we analysed qualitative and quantitative data for 393 British participants age 16-18 years in the BBC Loneliness Experiment, recruited in 2018. Analysis identified three main themes: Connecting with others; Changing how one relates to others; and Changing how one experiences solitude. Responses to a list of 21 suggested solutions to loneliness showed that >50% endorsed each of: distraction approaches, focussing on work, study, or hobbies, talking about one’s feelings, and joining a club. Our findings suggest that young people find the experience of loneliness distressing but are resourceful in finding strategies to prevent or mitigate it. Learning to take pleasure in their own company was described as a way of avoiding solitude being experienced as a stigmatised state of aloneness. These, and other important life skills, such as seeking out social connections and using opportunities for self-improvement, provided valuable guidance for peers. Their advice provides guidance for future research and co-produced intervention development to address loneliness in this age group.