Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Ψυχική Υγεία Παιδιών και ΕφήβωνLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Thanasoura Konstantia
Supervisors info:
Μπενέτου Βασιλική, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Κολαϊτης Γεράσιμος, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Γαλανάκη Ευαγγελία, Καθηγήτρια, Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Η μοναξιά σε μαθητές δημοτικού με ειδικές μαθησιακές δυσκολίες
Translated title:
Loneliness among elementary students with specific learning difficulties
Summary:
Introduction: Loneliness is considered a common unpleasant experience but also a developmental hazard for well-being. Although research on loneliness in childhood and puberty has increased during the past years little is known on the feeling of loneliness among pupils with learning difficulties.
Aim: To investigate loneliness levels among children, 10-12 years old, with specific learning difficulties and to compare them with the loneliness levels of their parents. Method: 50 pupils and 69 parents participated in the study. Loneliness was measured among children with the Loneliness and Aloneness Scale for Children and Adolescents (LACA) and among parents with the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the specific hypotheses.
Results: Pupils rarely felt loneliness with their parents and friends, whereas the higher the levels of proximity to their parents, the lower the levels of loneliness with friends (p<0.01). The levels of the parents’ loneliness were high and no correlation was found with their children’s loneliness levels (p>0.05). No association was found between loneliness and pupils sex and class of attendance (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Despite their learning difficulties, it is possible for these students to form and maintain social relationships as members of a social network. Children with secure bonds with their parents are able to develop safe and stable relationships with peers and become less vulnerable to loneliness.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Loneliness, Childhood, Special educational needs, Specific learning difficulties, Parents
