Effects of parent-child separation on loneliness and adjustment among undergraduates

Objective To investigate the effect of parent-child separation experience on loneliness, depression and adjustment in undergraduates.Methods A total of 1 218 undergraduates were investigated by using Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Chinese College Student Adjustment Scale (CCSAS).Results Loneliness score among undergraduates (44.97±7.59) with parent-child separation were higher than those without separation (43.70±7.75) (P<0.01).No statistically differences in depression score between the two groups (22.97±13.21 vs 22.86±13.61 in control, P = 0.888).In addition to lower interpersonal adjustment among parent-child separation undergraduates (34.16±5.73 vs34.91±5.46 in control), no differences were found in other dimensions of adjustment.The younger and longer duration of separation, the greater influence on the loneliness and adjustment of undergraduates.Conclusion Parent-child separation experience has influence on loneliness and adjustment in early adulthood.