Relationship Between Perceived Loneliness and Career Aspiration Among Young Adults

This study examined the impact of perceived loneliness on career aspirations, particularly in the domains of achievement and leadership among young adults. A total of 105 participants between the ages of 18 and 35 were selected from private universities in Islamabad using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through in-person visits using questionnaires from the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and the Career Aspiration Scale-Revised. Results from linear regression and moderation analyses revealed that perceived loneliness was a significant negative predictor of leadership aspiration, suggesting that lonely individuals had lower aspirations for a leadership career. However, achievement aspiration was not significantly predicted by perceived loneliness. Neither the relationship of perceived loneliness with achievement aspiration nor with leadership aspiration was moderated by gender. These findings help mental healthcare professionals and the scientific community understand and mitigate the adverse effects of perceived loneliness on young adults’ future career orientation and aspirations.