The mediating role of relational needs satisfaction in the relationship between loneliness and psychological wellbeing in emerging adulthood

Abstract

Previous literature emphasized the negative relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being in emerging adulthood, a developmental stage characterized by substantial changes in life which make individuals vulnerable to emotional challenges. Having meaningful and satisfying relationships plays a fundamental role in both loneliness and psychological well-being. Deficiency in these relationships has been linked to heightened feelings of loneliness and reduced psychological well-being. Although previous studies investigated the quality and quantity of social relationships, the empirical research on the concept of relational needs has been limited despite its theoretical significance. The present study aims to explore the relationship between loneliness, relational needs satisfaction and psychological well-being with a focus on the possible mediating role of relational needs satisfaction in the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being among emerging adults. A total of 303 participants aged between 18 to 25 were included in the study. Participants completed UCLA Loneliness Scale to measure their levels of loneliness, Relational Needs Satisfaction Scale (RNSS) to measure their satisfaction levels of relational needs and Flourishing Scale (FS) to measure their levels of psychological well-being. Simple regression and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS and SPSS Macro by Hayes. Results indicated that relational needs satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being. While loneliness were found to be negatively predicted the relational needs satisfaction and psychological well-being, relational needs satisfaction was found to be positively predicted the psychological well-being. When dimensions of relational needs were examined, only the need for having an impact partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being. These findings highlight the significant role of relational needs satisfaction in the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being. Addressing these needs in both clinical settings and future research may help promote psychological well-being in emerging adulthood.