Loneliness and Interpersonal Judgments

This study examines ratings of self and partners by high and low tested lonely college students following brief interactions with opposite sex strangers. Results replicate and extend previous findings, indicating more negative evaluations for high as compared to low lonely subjects in self ratings, ratings expected from partners; and for men only, ratings of partners. High lonely men were rated more negatively than low lonely men but the corresponding effect for women was not observed. The data also indicate that high lonely participants were perceived by their partners as more likely to rate themselves negatively. The findings are discussed in relation to the probable consequences of perceived social skill inadequacies for the experience of loneliness.