Abstract

The cognitive discrepancy model predicts that loneliness occurs when individuals perceive a difference between their desired and actual levels of social involvement. Using data from a sample of high school sophomore students, the present investigation was designed to go beyond previous research that has tested this model by examining the predicted nonlinear relationships between desired and actual social contact and feelings of loneliness. Analyses indicated that support for the cognitive discrepancy model of loneliness was found only for measures of close friendships. Specifically, the discrepancy between the students' ideal number and actual number of close friends was found to be related in a nonlinear fashion to feelings of satisfaction with close friendships and loneliness after control for the number of close friends. Implications of these findings for theoretical models of loneliness are discussed.

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Authors

Russell DW, Cutrona CE, McRae C, Gomez M

Institution

Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-4380, USA. drussell@iastate.edu

Source

The Journal of psychology 146:1-2 pg 7-22

MeSH

Adolescent
Emotions
Female
Friends
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Loneliness
Male
Personal Satisfaction
Predictive Value of Tests
Questionnaires
Social Behavior
Social Perception

Pub Type(s)

Comparative Study
Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22303609