Searching for Meaning While Battling Loneliness: Moderating role of Personality in Young adults

Abstract

Loneliness negatively affects the mental health of University students. Feelings of loneliness are associated with a lack of meaning in life. However, this relationship can vary due to individual personality differences. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between meaning in life and loneliness among University students and the moderating influence of personality dimensions. The sample of the present study consisted of 201 University students, and a multistage random sampling technique was utilized to select the sample from the Bathinda district of Punjab, India, while JASP was used to examine the structural equation model analysis. The result showed a negative and significant moderating impact of neuroticism subtypes of personality on the search for meaning in life and loneliness (b=-.047, t=-2.634, p=.008). The present research highlights the importance of addressing the high rates of loneliness and the need for a proper support system among students to make sure that they are not feeling lonely and reach out for help if needed. Neuroticism plays an important role in moderating the relationship between meaning in life and loneliness; stress and anxiety management techniques should be taught to all students that help them manage these emotions.