Young People at Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression Due to Loneliness and Low Resilience

A recent study emphasizes that certain groups of young individuals are more susceptible to developing anxiety and depression, particularly those experiencing loneliness combined with low resilience. The research, conducted by a team at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), highlights the long-term mental health effects stemming from adolescence.

Loneliness has long been associated with mental health issues, but its direct impact during the critical transition from adolescence to adulthood has been less thoroughly examined. The study explores how loneliness, especially when paired with low resilience—a trait that describes difficulty coping with stress and adversity—can significantly elevate the risk of mental health problems.

According to Ph.D. candidate Nayan Deepak Parlikar from NTNU, the research focused on how loneliness in adolescence interacts with resilience to influence mental health outcomes. "Our findings show that youths who experience both loneliness and low resilience are at a markedly higher risk of developing anxiety and depression later in life," Parlikar explained. The study compared groups of adolescents with different levels of resilience and loneliness, revealing that the combination of these factors has a compounding effect on mental health.

The implications of this research are profound, suggesting that early identification and intervention are crucial. Parlikar recommends screening in schools and health services to spot at-risk youths and implementing programs to foster social skills and resilience. Such measures may significantly reduce the likelihood of developing severe mental health issues.

Professionals are encouraged to adapt therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address both loneliness and low resilience. Group therapy and family involvement can help enhance social networks and strengthen resilience, while large-scale screening might be necessary given resource constraints.

Collaboration across sectors—including schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers—is essential to create supportive environments that prevent loneliness and promote mental well-being. As Professor Unni Karin Moksnes emphasizes, fostering a sense of belonging within schools and communities can positively influence children and adolescents’ health and quality of life.

Overall, the research underscores that addressing loneliness and resilience in young populations is vital for long-term mental health protection. Early intervention and collaborative efforts can lead to better outcomes, reducing the incidence of anxiety and depression in adulthood.

This study is published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-young-people-prone-anxiety-depression.html