Loneliness trajectories in early adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: The predictive role of perceived social support.

Abstract

Background: Loneliness poses various risks for adolescents, but the role of perceived social support in mitigating loneliness requires further exploration. This study examined the loneliness trajectories among early adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the impact of different types of perceived social support.Methods: A three-wave survey of 635 adolescents measured perceived social support and loneliness. Latent growth mixture model and logistic regression identified heterogeneous loneliness trajectories and the effects of perceived support.Results: Three loneliness trajectories were identified, including a high-increasing trajectory (14.02%), a moderate-increasing trajectory (21.73%), and a low-decreasing trajectory (64.25%). Early adolescents with lower emotional support were more likely to belong to the medium-level stable group than the low-level declining group, while enhancement of worth predicted medium-level stable membership. Increased intimacy was associated with a high-level rising trajectory.Conclusion: The findings underscore unique loneliness trajectories and the essential role of perceived social support, guiding targeted psychological interventions.