In this thesis I examine the phenomenon of loneliness in adolescence. Today, young people have endless possibilities for interacting with each other and being involved in social communities. Given these opportunities, young people are not expected to experience loneliness. At the same time, a successful and perfect youth is seen as the norm. This context creates different social expectations regarding the social life of young people. I assume this to have an impact on young people’s experience of loneliness. The aim of this project is therefore to explore the meaning of social expectations in relation to a successful and normal youth, and what impact these expectations have on young people’s experience of loneliness.
The empirical data consists of qualitative interviews with eight adolescents aged 16-27. Vivien Burrs understanding of social constructivism is the overall approach in the study (1995). My approach is that young people react to their perception of reality. The empirical data shows that lonely adolescents’ perception of a successful and normal youth influences their experience of loneliness.
According to the findings in this thesis, social expectations regarding a successful and normal youth create an invisible wall between the adolescents and their surroundings. Because of these perceived social expectations the adolescents find it difficult to integrate with their acquaintances and young people in general. In the study I analyse how this feeling of distance is intimately linked with their experience of loneliness.