Title:Loneliness in Adolescence – A Two-Systems Approach
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Author(s): Kerry Kelly Novick and Jack Novick
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Adolescence, cultural influences, development, loneliness, therapy, autonomy.
Abstract: Background: Very little has been written in the analytic literature about loneliness, despite its ubiquity
in human experience and its importance in development.
Method: In this presentation the authors share clinical material from intensive treatment of an adolescent to illustrate
the complexity and importance of closer examination of the phenomena of loneliness. They suggest
techniques that are relevant to studying and treating troubles that arise from difficult relationships to self and
others, which eventuate in symptoms of isolation, withdrawal, failures in relationships and lack of developmental
progression.
Summary and Conclusions: A two-systems approach makes sense of these phenomena and offers treatment
techniques to address pathological defenses against loneliness and lend support for growth of enjoyment in
both solitude and relationships with others. Shifting cultural norms have contributed to the pathologizing of
solitude.
