Coping with loneliness at University: A qualitative interview study with students in the UK

Abstract

Leaving home to attend University constitutes a transition that is often characterized by an increased risk of loneliness, a psychological state that predicts poor mental health outcomes. Informed by a comprehensive conceptual framework of coping with stress, this study sought to examine the coping strategies young adults deploy to manage experiences of loneliness whilst studying at University. A qualitative, cross-sectional study was designed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 University students who had moved away from home to study, and who self-identified experiencing loneliness. We used directed qualitative content analysis to analyse the data both between and within participants. The results demonstrate that participants used a variety of coping strategies to manage the distressing experience of loneliness. Accommodation, mainly in the form of distraction, support-seeking, social isolation, self-reliance, and problem-solving behaviours were the most prevalent coping strategies mentioned. Coping reflecting helplessness, escape, submission, and more rarely, opposition, were also found, albeit less often. Students showed evidence of a wide-ranging coping repertoire, with the deployment of specific coping strategies presenting as highly selective and contextual. Strategies for coping with loneliness take into account constraints and opportunities in the environment, the availability and appropriateness of social resources, as well as individual resources and needs.

Cyberbullying, social stigma, and self-esteem: the impact of COVID-19 on students from East and Southeast Asia at the University of Jordan

“…Students who leave home to go to university, are exposed to feelings of loneliness and isolation and thus, tend to use the internet as a useful tool to enhance existing relationships and forge new social connections, or look for entertaining activities to reduce feelings of loneliness [ 71 , 72 ], often spending numerous hours browsing the internet and social media [ 74 , 75 ]. However, this behavior might lead to problematic internet usage [ 73 ], and increase both the likelihood of being a victim of cyberbullying [ 76 ] and a perpetrator [ 77 ].…”

Young Adults’ Experience of Loneliness in London’s Most Deprived Areas

“…An early study found that adolescents in rural United States used coping mechanisms, such as listening to music, watching TV, exercising, playing with pets, using positive affirmations, and calling relatives while a smaller number ascribed to strategies, such as smoking, drinking, and using drugs ( Woodward and Frank, 1988 ). In a more recent study, coping mechanisms of British and international university students living in the United Kingdom who had moved away from home to study and self-identified as experiencing loneliness were examined qualitatively ( Vasileiou et al, 2019 ). A variety of strategies were found, such as: seeking support from family and friends offline and online, actively trying to make friends, comforting oneself that the difficult feelings would pass, reassuring oneself that one has close relationships, rumination, “killing time” (through using social media and the internet), studying, sleeping, and engaging in a diverse range of constructive and pleasurable activities as a distraction.…”

Strangers in a Strange Land: Designing a Mobile Application to Combat Loneliness and Isolation Among Foreign University Students

“…FGD participants revealed their struggle to connect with other local and international students after their arrival due to the lack of social opportunities at the university. This suggests the need for institutions to create greater integration opportunities for local and newcomer students, such as social activities and psycho-education sessions to increase students' sense of belonging (Vasileiou et al 2018). The app, therefore, could contribute to the dissemination of such information and events (Jansen-Kosterink et al 2018;Chandrashekar 2018;Bakker et al 2016).…”

“…The authors stated that international students were more likely to experience cultural loneliness, which is triggered by the absence of the preferred cultural and/or linguistic environment. Sawir et al (2007) and Vasileiou et al (2018) suggested that creating stronger bonds among international and local students in the educational setting is a possible solution to a forward move on loneliness. Digital technologies have also been seen as promising interventions to address social isolation, loneliness, and mental health through social online environments (Shah et al 2019) and mental health apps (MHapps) (Jansen-Kosterink et al 2018).…”