Research on Loneliness and Post-traumatic Stress in Adolescents

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders looked at the relationship between loneliness and post-traumatic stress (PTS) in adolescents over a one-year period. Researchers followed 2,807 U.S. students, ages 11 to 16, and collected data on their feelings of loneliness and levels of post-traumatic stress.

The results showed that loneliness in one year was linked to increased PTS the next year, and vice versa. Another observation was that girls who went through post-traumatic stress experienced higher levels of loneliness compared to boys who also had it.

This research is important because loneliness and post-traumatic stress are common problems for teens and can seriously affect their mental health.

Adolescence is a time when teens are growing emotionally and socially, so experiencing loneliness or trauma during this time may increase their risk for depression, anxiety, and having trouble with school.

Understanding the Research

Most past studies have examined how loneliness and post-traumatic stress are connected in adults. However, this study specifically looks at how these problems impact teenagers.

This study looked at teenagers in the U.S., aged 11–16, to understand the connection between loneliness and post-traumatic stress (PTS). It involved students from 17 public middle and high schools in New Haven, Connecticut, including those in bilingual and alternative programs.

In the first year, 3,575 students completed a survey about their experiences. One year later, most of the original group, or 2,807 students, took the survey again to track changes over time.

The surveys asked students how lonely they felt, and their responses were grouped into three categories: 

• Not lonely
• Somewhat true
• Certainly true

Most students said they were not lonely (70.1% in the first year and 68.9% in the second year). Girls were more likely than boys to say they were lonely. For example, in the first year, 26.3% of girls said it was “somewhat true” they felt lonely, compared to 16.1% of boys.

The study also looked at PTS symptoms and found that most students had mild or doubtful symptoms of PTS.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

This study gives us a clearer picture of how loneliness and stress from traumatic events affect young people. Based on these findings, parents and caregivers can take these steps to help teens who might be struggling: 

Let teens know it’s okay to talk about their feelings

Simply asking your teen, “How are you feeling today?” or “Is there something on your mind?” can make a big difference. They need to know that it’s okay to express their emotions without the fear of getting criticized.

You can also model healthy emotional expression to show them they can be vulnerable.

Here’s a quick tip: Make it a routine to check in with them. Pick a time with no distractions, like during dinner or before bed, and use that time to ask how they’re really feeling.

Support them in forming positive friendships

Loneliness can result from feeling disconnected from their peers. Allow them to seek out friendships as long as they are positive and supportive. These are friendships that make them feel good, respected, and valued. Although online social connections can provide some benefit, in person social connections are always preferred to help kids avoid problematic screen-time use.

You can also guide them in choosing activities where they can meet people who share their interests. These could be sports teams, a music group, or even a volunteer project.

Keep an eye out for signs of stress

Your teen might not always express when they are stressed or lonely. This is why it’s so important to look out for changes in their behavior. Signs that stress is affecting your teen include the following:

• Changes in their mood
• Difficulty sleeping
• Withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy
• A drop in their school performance 

If you notice any concerning signs, ask if anything is bothering them. They also need to know that you’re there to listen. 

Consider counseling or therapy for extra support

If loneliness or stress from tough situations feel like too much for your teen to handle, getting professional help can be a really helpful step. If you’re not sure where to start, speak with your teen’s school counselor or a trusted healthcare provider who may be able to recommend a therapist.

You can also take our Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) - Parent Test to identify any potential emotional or behavioral concerns your teen may be experiencing.

The authors suggest that helping teens who feel lonely may also reduce stress from difficult life experiences and that healthcare professionals should step in to help teens with both loneliness and stress.

Do you think your teen could use some extra help managing stress and emotions? Check out our Stress Management Worksheets and Coping Skills Worksheets.