Loneliness in Emerging Adults: Role of Meaning in Life and Death Anxiety

Abstract

The profound impact of existential concerns on mental health during the critical period of emerging adulthood is increasingly recognized. As young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood, they face significant challenges, including uncertainty, increased responsibilities, and the search for personal and professional identity. These challenges can intensify feelings of loneliness, making it crucial to understand the underlying factors contributing to this experience. The present study investigates the role of meaning in life and death anxiety in predicting loneliness among emerging adults. The sample consists of 200 emerging adults (57% females and 43% males), aged 18-29 years, from various departments of Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between loneliness, death anxiety, and the search for meaning, while a negative relationship exists between the presence of meaning and loneliness. Multiple linear regression analysis found that search for meaning, death anxiety, and presence of meaning shares 34% of the variance in predicting loneliness. Death anxiety and the search for meaning can intensify feelings of loneliness, but having a clear sense of presence of meaning shields individuals from loneliness by strengthening their relationships with others. Understanding this relationship will aid in developing tailored interventions for the emerging adult population dealing with loneliness.