Trauma and Dissociation: Predictors of Loneliness in Students at an Urban University

Abstract

Loneliness is often seen in college students as they leave established support networks and family. Loneliness is also associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression and decreased life satisfaction. The authors explored relationships between trauma, dissociation, and loneliness, and assessed the predictive ability of trauma and dissociation on feelings of loneliness. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that trauma experience and dissociation significantly predicted loneliness in the current sample (n = 429). Implications for counseling are discussed.