University students’ perspectives on loneliness: a reflexive thematic analysis

Loneliness is very common during young adulthood and can be both a precursor to and outcome of psychological distress. The changes in social networks that occur during university may contribute to the prevalence of loneliness among university students. This qualitative study aimed to understand young students’ perspectives on loneliness. Nineteen young adults attending university in Ireland participated in qualitative interviews about loneliness. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. We generated three major themes (1) transitions as a difficult time, reflecting the natural situational or transient loneliness associated with student life, particularly as transitions prompted comparison processes that exacerbated loneliness, and as long-standing social support systems became less salient or accessible (2) loneliness is universal but not equal, capturing the common experience of loneliness, while recognising that some groups were more vulnerable to loneliness than others and (3) the importance of quality connections to alleviate loneliness, reflecting the potential for even a small number of high-quality connections to mitigate emotional loneliness. The typical university lifestyle does not necessarily support the high-quality connections needed to mitigate loneliness. Facilitating multiple opportunities for connection could prevent common situational loneliness from developing into significant mental health challenges.