Loneliness, Self-Concept, and Adjustment

Summary Two studies (N = 194) investigated the relationship between loneliness and self-concept and adjustment. College students completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and an inventory which assessed the degree of other-focused attention. Results indicated that loneliness was related to more negative self-concepts, possibly less adjustment, and more self-focus. Discussion centers on the relationship between loneliness and self-concept; the possible role of attention in maintaining the negative self-image of lonely people is suggested.