Perceived Loneliness, Depression, and Health Among School Students

Loneliness seems to be one of the major psychological problems experienced by children all over the world. Loneliness can have serious detrimental effects on the physical and psychological well-being not only during childhood, but its consequences seem to have a significant impact on the adjustment of the individual during adolescent and adult years as well. The present study was undertaken to examine the relationship between perceived loneliness, depression, and health among school students as well as to identify if any gender differences existed in these variables. The sample consisted of 120 students (60 boys and 60 girls) aged 15 and 16 years who were randomly selected from schools in Chennai. Perceived loneliness scale by Jha, Depression and Anxiety for Youth Scale by Newcomer and General Health Questionnaire by Goldberg were administered to the students after obtaining permission from the school authorities. Results showed that there exists a significant positive relationship between loneliness and depression (r = 0.278; p < 0.01) and between loneliness and health (r = 0.265; p < 0.01). However, no significant relationship was found between depression and health (r = 0.074). A significant difference was observed between boys and girls in general health (t = 4.866; p < 0.01) with girls reporting more health issues than boys. Regression analysis revealed that perceived loneliness is a significant predictor of health among school students (a = 0.265; t = 2.859; p < 0.01). The findings of this study highlight the importance of the role of psychologists and the need for trained counselors in schools. This would facilitate the early identification and intervention of psychological problems before they impede the optimal development of children.