Abstract
Loneliness is known to be a major health concern globally. However, although there is a growing body of research on loneliness in adults, it is less studied in children. Further, very few studies have considered the long-term meaning of experiences of being alone in early life for adults. This study explored the construct of aloneness in children using a retrospective design. It asked 70 adults to describe their high and low point stories from childhood. Analysis of the stories using reflective thematic analysis identified four aloneness constructs: emotional loneliness, social loneliness, quasi-existential loneliness, and solitude. Risk and protective factors and related constructs for loneliness in childhood were also identified: home difficulties, life events, peer difficulties, and emotional turmoil; and natural environment, independence, special occasions, and stability. The study provides a framework for a holistic construct of aloneness in childhood, and highlights how developing a strong sense of identity and a positive attitude toward aloneness in early years may help to develop social and policy interventions to boost wellbeing across the lifespan.
Public significance statement
Our study explored the way that individuals recollect childhood experiences of being alone in-depth, and identified risk and protective factors for childhood loneliness. This allowed us to make proposals to policymakers for ways to address childhood loneliness and promote a positive attitude toward spending time alone in early years.