A Cohort Analysis of Loneliness and Friendship in the First Year of University.

An analysis of loneliness and friendship in first-year university students is examined. Random samples of students (N=390) enrolled in introductory psychology classes were polled in the first two weeks of the academic year; the last three weeks before first semester final examinations, and the last three weeks before second semester final examinations. Respondents were asked to fill out questionnaires about where they resided and who were their friends. They completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Findings indicate that loneliness was related to residence, with students who lived in dormitories least lonely, students living at home (with parents) next least lonely, and off-campus students the most lonely. Other conclusions were that students spending their first year at a university in dormitories made more new friends, retained fewer of their old friends back home, and were less lonely than any other residence group. Students living with their parents had fewer friends at the university and these tended to be old friends. Students living off-campus made fewer friends and maintained more of their old friendships back home. (Author/BMW)