Examining psychosocial correlates of loneliness and perceived isolation among marginalized youth

Adolescents and emerging adults from marginalized groups (e.g., racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities; rural-living) have disproportionately higher risk of mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behaviors) and substance use than their peers from non-marginalized groups. Loneliness and perceived isolation are well-known predictors of mental health problems, and their prevalence among youth and emerging adults has significantly increased in the last decade. However, there is limited research to identify modifiable psychosocial, familial, interpersonal (in person and on social media), and structural factors that could reduce loneliness and perceived isolation in this population. We will partner with community-based organizations that serve marginalized youth and emerging adults with lived experience, to contextualize the experiences of feeling lonely and isolated. Then, we will leverage mixed methods (longitudinal survey study, focus groups/individual interviews) and social media data to uncover psychosocial, familial, interpersonal, and structural correlates of loneliness and perceived isolation, which can be used as targets for behavioral interventions for reducing loneliness, isolation, and associated mental health problems. We will use our findings to apply for extramural funding at the National Institutes of Health, which has calls directly related to loneliness and isolation (funding opportunities PAR-21-131, PAR-21-350, and PAR-21-134)