Indicators of Loneliness and Isolation in Adolescents from two Provinces in the North of Argentina

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to evaluate indicators of self-perceived loneliness and isolation by 412 adolescents attending school and living in Tucumán and Santiago del Estero (Argentina). A comparative, transversal research was carried out and the technique used was accidental sampling. The loneliness and isolation questionnaire (CAS), BAS-3 Socialization Battery and a sociodemographic survey were administered. 28% evidenced risky behaviour in loneliness and 25% in isolation. Within this group, 7% presented a higher psychopathological tendency. The group in loneliness at risk showed lack of social skills related to less consideration for others, a lower degree of leadership and higher degree of withdrawal. On the other hand, the group in isolation at risk evidenced a reduced level of self-control. The data described made it possible to identify indicators of vulnerability in adolescent population who attend school and they proved to be valuable to design intervention strategies as prevention.