CHILDRENS LONELINESS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILY AND PEERS

Children's feelings of loneliness related to family and peer relationships have only recently been documented by researchers. These feelings, once thought to be of importance only to adolescents and adults, are now being recognized, researched, and assessed in children as young as 5 years of age. Helping professionals need to understand the short- and long-term consequences of children's loneliness as it relates to their personal well-being and self-esteem. The article concludes with several recommendations and identifies the need to develop clear and articulated methods of intervention.