ABSTRACT
Loneliness, the lived division between hoped-for and actual social relationships, involves enduring experiences of loss that emerge and reemerge as normative expectations of social belonging remain unmet. The nonfinite loss of loneliness for emerging adults requires continued adjustment and accommodation in a developmental context primarily focused on tasks of interpersonal intimacy and consolidated relationships. Loneliness is further disenfranchised as these losses are largely unrecognized and unacknowledged by others. This chapter will describe loneliness as an experience of nonfinite loss in emerging adulthood. A review of literature will align loneliness as nonfinite loss and social contexts influencing the experience in emerging adulthood will be explored. Four broad themes that illuminate the experience of loneliness will be presented through the voices of emerging adults. Implications for counseling clients experiencing loneliness will be reviewed to support counselor reflection and learning.
