Friend and Family Support as Moderators of the Effects of Low Romantic Partner Support on Loneliness Among College Women
Author(s): Elaine M. Eshbaugh
Abstract: The link between social support and loneliness among adolescents, emerging adults, and college students is well-documented. This study examined the relationship between social support from three sources (family, friends, and romantic partners) and loneliness among college women (N = 228). Of particular interest was the relative role of friend and family support for women who indicated low vs. high levels of significant other support. For women with high significant other support, those with higher friend support were significantly less lonely than those with low friend support. Yet, this difference was even stronger among women with low significant other support. For women with a low level of support from a significant other, increased family support was actually related to a higher level of loneliness. Applications of these findings for counselors and ideas for future research are discussed.
Pages: 8-16
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