Role of family and friendship in the perceived loneliness of young adults from different cultures

Abstract

Through in-depth interviews, this qualitative study explores how young adults from family-oriented and self-oriented cultures perceive family and friendship relationships as a theme in their loneliness. Young adults are more prone to experience loneliness according to various studies which is problematic as loneliness can lead to mental and physical health issues. While previous research has emphasized the importance of friendship and family relationships in reducing loneliness, there is a lack in understanding regarding how young adults from different cultures talk about these relationships in relation to their loneliness. The interviews with Egyptian (family-oriented culture) and Austrian (self-oriented culture) young adults suggest that family and friends are recognized as both a cause and remedy of loneliness. Several Austrian participants mentioned feeling lonely during their childhood because of their parents shortcomings, while some Egyptian participants discussed the big impact the passing of a parent had. Both cultures acknowledged feeling lonely due to the absence of a close friend. The main theme that arose was that new or current friends mitigated the loneliness experiences in both cultures. There were indications that caring family relations seem highly valuable in the loneliness experiences of the Egyptian participants. However, further research is necessary to substantiate this theme. Overall, the findings imply that interventions should acknowledge the importance of supportive friendships in the lives of young adults across cultures.