HRI Research featured in the Irish Examiner

"A small study from UL’s Department of Psychology, published last summer highlighted that the experience of loneliness during young or emerging adulthood (18 to 25 years) can be tied to key social transitions during this life stage and may not always be an entirely negative experience.

The research, published in the journal of Emerging Adulthood, revealed that while loneliness involves negative feelings, there are individual differences in how emerging adults perceive their experience of loneliness – and some individuals may even identify positive aspects to it, for example, the opportunity for self-reflection and motivation to form new relationships.

Speaking after the publication of the study, co-author Dr Ann-Marie Creaven, lecturer in psychology at UL, said loneliness is often considered an issue specific to older adults. “But in fact it’s very common in young adulthood and often a precursor to more significant mental health challenges.

“This research tells us that occasional feelings of loneliness are probably quite normal in this group. However, when loneliness is felt very strongly, or very persistently, mental health supports may be required,” Dr Creaven added." - Irish Examiner (2024)

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https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/advice/arid-41332777.html