Teen loneliness may be tied to less secure employment later

A recent study suggests a potential link between loneliness during adolescence and less secure employment in young adulthood. Researchers from the University of Michigan, University of Texas, and Korea University found that adolescents who felt more connected to their schools appeared less likely to experience precarious employment later in life.

The study, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, highlights the importance of schools as social environments where young people can build relationships, develop confidence, and find a sense of belonging. The researchers caution that loneliness is often viewed as a mental health concern, but its impact may extend beyond mental health to include the quality and stability of employment in young adulthood.