Adolescent self-disclosure and loneliness: private self-consciousness and parental influences.
Using structural equation techniques, we tested a theoretical model designed to describe the causal relations existing among loneliness, self-disclosure to peers and parents, and specific antecedent variables. Participants were 350 high-school students who answered questions concerning themselves and their interpersonal relationships. Results generally indicated a good fit between the theoretical model and the observed relations. In addition to replicating the findings of previous studies concerning the relation between self-disclosure and loneliness, results also indicated an indirect relation between private self-consciousness and loneliness via peer self-disclosure; that is, high private self-conscious adolescents' greater willingness to self-disclose to peers resulted in their feeling less lonely. Results are discussed in terms of current theory in related fields.
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012934:Social Isolation