Relationship between Loneliness, Inferiority Complex and Peer Attachment among University Students

Abstract

The aim of conducting the present study was to examine the relationship between loneliness, inferiority complex and peer attachment among university students. Moreover, relationships of different demographic variables were also studied along study variables. Instruments used to measure the variables were loneliness scale (UCLA) developed by Russell, Peplau & Cutrona (1980).The inferiority scale (TIF) developed by Yao, et al., (1997) and peer attachment subscale of 'Inventory of parents and peer attachment (lPPA) developed by Armsden & Greenberg (1987). The sample of the study consisted of 271 students taken from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with age range of 18-25 years. The nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the sample. The sample was approached individually, only the individuals who volunteered to participate were included in the study. The criteria to select the sample were the age group which was 18-25 years. The results of the study showed that loneliness was negatively correlated with peer attachment but loneliness was positively correlated with inferiority complex and this relationship was non-significant. Furthermore, results revealed nonsignificant gender differences on loneliness and peer attachment. Independent sample ttest showed that there was non-significant difference on loneliness and inferiority complex among students with different family system i.e., joint and nuclear. Moreover, mean difference was found between the student's peer attachment with regard to family system i.e., joint and nuclear. Students living in nuclear family system were greater tendency to form relationships as compared to joint family system. Significant differences were found between hostilities and day-scholar students in all of three variables i.e., loneliness, inferiority complex and peer attachment. Students living in hostels were more prone to loneliness as compared to day-scholars. Moreover inferiority complex in day-scholar was greater as compared to hostilities. Furthennore, day-scholar students were greater tendency to form relationship as compared to hostilities. The implications of the current study have a variety as it will help school psychologist to understand the feeling of loneliness with regard to attachment that can help students who experience loneliness and inferiority complex