Month/Year of Graduation
5-2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Kelly MacArthur and Dr. Joseph Brown
Abstract
Chronic loneliness is associated with negative health consequences. Those that suffer from chronic loneliness typically exhibit bad health behaviors, such as excessive alcohol and drug consumption, which can lead to physical ailments, such as heart disease or even death (Steptoe et. al., 2013; Shoevestul et. al., 2020). Additionally, chronic loneliness is associated with mental health; higher reported feelings of loneliness has been associated with higher rates of depression (Shovestul et. al., 2020). As loneliness varies by socio-demographics, such as sex, women report higher rates of loneliness than men (Maes et. al., 2019). To better understand the factors associated with loneliness, and what accounts for the gender differences in reported feelings of loneliness, a descriptive analysis and a multiple regression analysis of a health behavior assessment administered by the American College Health Association to college students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The results from the hierarchical regression analysis of the data accounted for around half of the variation in loneliness (Adjusted R2= .497), with depression having the strongest effect (β=.697). In fact, the significant variables associated with loneliness in this study affected women more significantly, especially depression.
Recommended Citation
Ramos, Yazmin, "Predictors of Loneliness Among College Students: Evidence for the Necessity of Early Childhood Interventions" (2020). Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects. 86.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/university_honors_program/86