De Rol van Negatieve Cognities en Sekse bij Gevoelens van Eenzaamheid en Geschikte Interventies

Abstract

Background. Chronic loneliness is common among adolescents and has negative consequences such as the development of psychopathology. 'Join Us' is a preventive intervention that can be used for chronic loneliness among individuals between the ages of 12 and 30. This study investigates the relationship between negative cognitions and chronic loneliness, including the moderating effect of gender. Additionally, it examines whether Join Us adequately addresses the risk factor negative cognitions within its’ real life and online program. Method. Data is derived from a pilot study of a longitudinal effects study of Join Us. The sample consisted of 67 former Join Us participants aged 12 to 30 years (M = 23.8). They received an online questionnaire measuring loneliness and negative cognitions (Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire). In addition, three interviews were conducted and an evaluation is done to analyze the extent to which there is sufficient attention for negative cognitions in Join Us programs. Results. There appears to be a relationship between negative cognitions and chronic loneliness. Moreover, gender appears to moderate the relationship between maladaptive strategies and chronic loneliness. In addition, the online Join Us program seems to address negative cognitions more adequately than the real life Join Us program. Conclusion. The investigated moderator does have an impact on maladaptive strategies and chronic loneliness, where consistency is present for women. For future loneliness interventions, it is important to focus on techniques that reduce negative cognitions and to consider gender differences in the experience and expression of chronic loneliness and negative cognitions. Further research should reveal through longitudinal studies whether the observed relationships are causal or merely correlated and whether the ‘Join Us’ intervention is effective.