Influence of loneliness on self-esteem and mental wellbeing in non-domicle postgraduate students in Bangalore

Abstract

The study aimed to understand the associations between loneliness, self-esteem, and mental wellbeing among non-domiciled postgraduate students in Bangalore. Using the interactionist approach to loneliness (Weiss,1973) as a theoretical backdrop, the research investigates how the interplay of environmental and situational factors contributes to the wellbeing of students studying away from their home environments. The participants recruited for the study were N =103 postgraduate students relocated and residing in Bangalore presently. The obtained data of the participants is analysed using SPSS version 21. With data being normally distributed, Pearson’s productmoment correlation analysis is used to understand if there was a relationship between loneliness, self-esteem and mental wellbeing of non-domiciled students. The findings of the study revealed a moderately significant inverse correlation between loneliness and selfesteem (r = -.44, p = .001). Additionally, a moderately significant inverse correlation was also observed between loneliness and mental wellbeing (r = -.54, p = 0.001). These results are consistent with theoretical frameworks suggesting that perceived social disconnection influences self-perception and emotional resilience. Individual vulnerabilities, such as feeling low, along with environmental stressors like social isolation, cultural adjustment, and separation from familiar support systems, can influence self-perception and emotional resilience. All of these factors contribute to loneliness, which in turn may affect their self-esteem and overall mental wellbeing.