title: I get so lonely, baby: The effects of loneliness and social isolation on romantic dependency.
abstract: Individuals lacking fulfilling interpersonal interactions may experience feelings of loneliness. Consequently, these individuals may over-rely on their romantic partners to fulfill the need to belong. This study examined the effects of loneliness and social isolation on dependency on a romantic partner in a sample of college students (N = 104). Participants who were in a romantic relationship completed measures of loneliness, social isolation, and romantic dependency near the beginning of the semester (Time 1) and approximately 6 weeks later toward the end of the semester (Time 2). Toward the beginning of the semester, there were no significant predictors of dependency. Toward the end of the semester, individuals who reported higher social isolation reported higher levels of dependency. Time 1 dependency also predicted Time 2 dependency. Future methodological directions and suggestions regarding the examination of perceptions of loneliness and relationship expectations are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Saint Louis University.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hasan
authors.affiliation: a Saint Louis University.
authors.forename: Eddie M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Couple relationships; interpersonal understanding; relationships