INFLUENCE OF LONELINESS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY KEFFI, NIGERIA

Abstract

Psychological well-being is a critical aspect of students’ overall development. This study examined the influence of loneliness on the psychological well-being of undergraduates in Nasarawa State University Keffi. The research adopted a cross-sectional study design using an expo-factor design. The sample consists of 392 (176 male and 216 female) selected using random sampling technique. Data was collected through copies of self-administered questionnaires. Two hypotheses were postulated and tested using regression analysis and independent sample t-test. The study found that loneliness has a significant negative influence on the psychological well-being [F(1, 390) = 22.551; R² = .055; p < 0.05]. There is no significant gender difference in the level of psychological wellbeing among undergraduates of Nasarawa state University Keffi. [t(390) = .408, p > .05]. It is concluded that loneliness have significant influence on psychological well-being among undergraduates of Nasarawa State University Keffi. The study recommends among others that the university should create more opportunities for social interaction among students in diverse ways which include organizing mentorship programs, peer support groups and social events that encourage students to build meaningful connections as this may help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a stronger sense of belonging among students.