Loneliness during the teenage years is often seen as a passing phase, but new research suggests its effects can last for decades. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health reveals that increased feelings of loneliness in adolescence significantly raise the risk of depression, asthma, and other mental and physical health issues in adulthood.
The Long-Term Impact of Loneliness
Researchers analyzed data from a large-scale, long-term study that tracked over 20,000 U.S. teenagers starting in 1994-1995, with an average age of 15. They assessed how often participants felt lonely and monitored their health over the next two decades.
The findings revealed that adolescents who experienced increased loneliness had:
- A 24% higher risk of developing asthma in adulthood
- A 25% higher risk of being diagnosed with depression
- An 84% increased likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lower-quality romantic relationships and an increased perception of discrimination
- Reduced happiness, job satisfaction, and optimism
On the other hand, the study found no significant link between increased loneliness and health behaviors or civic and prosocial engagement.
How to Recognize and Address Loneliness?
These findings highlight the importance of early detection and intervention. Experts emphasize that programs and policies aimed at reducing loneliness could play a crucial role in improving long-term health outcomes.
As the study authors noted:
"Our research likely captures early risk indicators for adverse health outcomes, highlighting pathways through which loneliness may gradually influence health over time. The development and implementation of interventions to reduce loneliness represent a promising approach to improving the well-being of adolescents and young adults."
In a world that is more digitally connected yet emotionally distant, it is essential to recognize the value of real human connections. Investing in social relationships might just be one of the best investments for a healthier future.
Source: Eric S. Kim, PhD, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Renae Wilkinson, PhD, of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was published online on January 20, 2025, in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
