Evaluation of the factors affecting loneliness and hopelessness among university students in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting loneliness and hopelessness among university students in Turkey. Data were collected with the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980), the Beck Hopelessness Inventory (Beck, Weissman, Lester, & Trexler, 1971), and a questionnaire developed by the researcher. One hundred and ninety-six people took part in the study. Results showed that the male participants suffered from loneliness and hopelessness more frequently. They liked the university environment, but the limited number of friends and parental attitudes contributed considerably to hopelessness. In addition, there was a strong correlation between the severity of loneliness and the severity of hopelessness.