Abstract

This review examines the literature on loneliness and social withdrawal in children. Researchers which have conceptualized the problem of isolation in childhood as "social with-drawal" defined loneliness as a predictor of maladaptation. Children which prefer to be alone may be at-risk for developing negative psychological "outcomes". On the other hand, psychoanalitic approach assumes that loneliness in childhood may be indicative of social, cognitive and emotional maturity. The relevance of this approach to research is discussed.