The role of self-esteem and peer pressure in loneliness among adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15291/ai.1286Keywords:
loneliness, self-esteem, peer pressure, adolescenceAbstract
The main aim of this study was to determine the extent to which the loneliness in adolescencecan be explained by self-esteem and peer pressure. In fact, numerous studies have mostly focusedon bivariate relation between these variables and so far in the Croatian sample of adolescentsis not examined relations between loneliness, self-esteem and peer pressure simultaneously.Although most authors believe that loneliness can occur in all developmental periods, it has beenemphasized that loneliness is more expressed during adolescence and even the most during theperiod of early adolescence. Establishing and maintaining satisfactory relationships is a priority,as inadequate and unsupported relationships with peers makes a risk for the experience ofloneliness. In addition to peer relationships, a positive attitude about yourself, or self-esteem hasa significant role in the successful development of adolescents. Earlier studies have shown thatself-esteem, which decreases during early adolescence, is an important determinant of loneliness.Therefore, the sample of this study consisted of two groups of adolescents, 200 seventh graders,who represented a group of early adolescents, and 200 students of fourth graders of highschool, who formed a group of late adolescents. The questionnaire, which consisted of threegroups of scale, Short version UCLA scale, Self-liking/self-competence Scale-Revised Versionand Susceptibility to Peer Pressure Scale. The results showed a higher level of loneliness inearly adolescents, and lower self-esteem, but a greater level of susceptibility to peer pressurein relation to the late teens. Girls, regardless of age had slightly lower self-esteem compared toboys, while the level of loneliness does not change significantly with respect to sex. However,male adolescents are more prone to risk behavior (eg, consumption of opiates and risky sexualbehavior) and inappropriate behavior at school (eg. unexcused absence from class) under theinfluence of peers. Finally, negative self-image, or low self-esteem and expressed susceptibility topeer pressure are significant determinants of loneliness in adolescence. The results are explainedin terms of developmental changes that make adolescents at risk for the occurrence of loneliness.
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