The influence of educational transitions on loneliness and mental health from emerging adults’ perspectives

Amanda Jasmin Emilia Sundqvist *, Pia Nyman-Kurkiala, Ottar Ness, Jessica Hemberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
40 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Educational transitions can influence loneliness and increase mental health issues for young people transitioning between educational stages. The aim was to explore the link between educational transitions and emerging adults’ loneliness and mental health and how they perceive they can alleviate and/or improve these issues. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with a total of 12 emerging adults, 10 females and two males aged 18–29 (mean age, 22.91) were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Emerging adults’ loneliness and mental health across educational transitions could be influenced by changes to their sense of security, for example concurrent transitions, increased academic demands, changed social network, insufficient attachment, lack of community, or changed physical environment. Transitions can be associated with positive expectations and self-development but also worry, emotional turmoil, loneliness, and mental health issues. A better transition experience can be enabled by increasing resources and activities and promoting a secure environment.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2422142
JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2024
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Funding

This work was supported by Aktiastiftelsen i Vasa, G\u00F6sta Branders Research foundation, H\u00F6gskolestiftelsen i \u00D6sterbotten, and Stiftelsen Brita Maria Renlunds Minne sr. The authors extend their sincere appreciation to the study participants for the contributions they have made.

Keywords

  • educational transitions
  • transitions
  • loneliness
  • mental health
  • emerging adults

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