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Correlates of loneliness in nonreferred and psychiatrically hospitalized children

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Abstract

We investigated psychosocial correlates of loneliness using self- and caretaker-reports in 6–12 year old nonreferred and psychiatrically hospitalized children. In Phase 1, 109 nonreferred children completed self-report measures of internalizing problems, mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and teachers completed the CBCL-Teacher's Report Form. In Phase 2, a similar assessment battery was completed for 109 psychiatrically hospitalized children. Results indicated a moderate to strong relationship between loneliness and self-reported depression, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Children reporting high and low levels of loneliness were not differentiated by parent or teacher reports. Lonely children had lower IQs than their non-lonely peers.

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Ammerman, R.T., Kazdin, A.E. & Van Hasselt, V.B. Correlates of loneliness in nonreferred and psychiatrically hospitalized children. J Child Fam Stud 2, 187–202 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01321330

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