Exploring the Interplay Between Loneliness and Self-Esteem: A Qualitative Study Among Young Adults in the Netherlands

Abstract

During adolescence, people are at heightened risk of experiencing loneliness, which can lead to several negative consequences, including reduced mental well-being, depressive symptoms, anxiety and lower life satisfaction. This highlights the importance of studying loneliness in young adults. It is theorized that loneliness could motivate lonely individuals to connect with others, but factors such as low self-esteem can hinder socially connecting. Earlier research, mostly quantitative, showed that loneliness can lower self-esteem and low self-esteem can lead to loneliness. This qualitative research adds to existing data by exploring the lived experiences of young adults in the Netherlands; it examines the consequences of loneliness on self-esteem and how low self-esteem affects overcoming loneliness. Data was collected through semi structured, in-depth interviews with 11 participants aged 22 to 27. In line with earlier research, the results show different ways in which loneliness influences self-esteem; loneliness can lead to lower self-esteem in relationships, it can cause people to question their own worth or abilities and it can lead to a need for validation from others. Regarding the influence of low self-esteem on loneliness, low self-esteem was a barrier for some to socially connect because of worrying what others think of them, they were very conscious of themselves and they could avoid contact because of fear of rejection. This study adds to scientific knowledge by providing a detailed description of young adults’ experiences. For practice, this study shows that cognitive behavioural therapy could be effective in preventing young adults from getting stuck in prolonged loneliness.