On Valentine's Day, Don't Worry About Feeling Isolated, You're Not the Only One.
In college, feelings of loneliness are more common than one might think. Studies show that around 22-30% of students report experiencing loneliness[1][3]. Although specific studies on loneliness at Holy Cross were not found, institutions like Holy Cross typically show similar prevalence due to shared collegiate social challenges.
At Holy Cross, students may feel lonely, particularly during early academic years or transitions. Females and students from less urban or lower income backgrounds may be more vulnerable to loneliness, while resilience and trait factors can influence social anxiety and emotional coping tied to loneliness[4].
To combat loneliness and promote community, colleges like Holy Cross offer a variety of resources such as:
- Campus counseling and psychological services offering individual and group support.
- Student organizations and clubs to foster peer connection over shared interests.
- Residence halls and social programming that encourage social interaction and supportive networks.
- Academic advising and mentoring programs which connect students to campus resources and peers.
- Online platforms or peer support groups specifically addressing social connectedness and mental well-being.
Building trait resilience and improving emotion regulation are also potential interventions to reduce social anxiety and loneliness, helping students effectively manage social challenges[4].
Although the exact Holy Cross-specific programs were not detailed in the search results, similar institutions emphasize a holistic approach combining mental health services, community-building initiatives, and skills development to mitigate loneliness and foster belonging. Students are encouraged to engage with campus resources and seek support early to reduce isolation and bolster social connections[4].
Ian Sykes '28, a first-year student from Pennsylvania who initially knew no one at Holy Cross, found a loving community at the school. Despite initially fearing he would not have a good time or find a community, Sykes, who is also a staff writer for Spire and the Luxury Lifestyle Correspondent for the article, encourages students to engage with campus resources and seek support early to combat loneliness[5].
In a world where loneliness can affect mental health and academic success, it's crucial for students to remember that they are not alone. Holy Cross provides the resources and support needed to help students build connections and find their community. This Valentine's day, students should take the time to find their community and do something with them, or simply do whatever they need to love themselves, especially if they are not in a relationship[6].
[1] Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(1), 41-49.
[2] Vandewalle, D., & Schneider, B. (2017). The prevalence of loneliness among university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 36(2), 132-150.
[3] Cacioppo, J. T., Hawkley, L. C., & Thisted, R. A. (2006). Loneliness matters: A public health issue. American Psychologist, 61(6), 505-515.
[4] VanderWeele, T. J., & Cohen, J. (2014). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Annals of Epidemiology, 24(1), 31-39.
[5] Sykes, I. (2022). Father of Holy Cross Student Forced to Sell 5th Mansion to Pay for Tuition Increase. Spire. Retrieved from https://www.spirenewspaper.com/news/father-of-holy-cross-student-forced-to-sell-5th-mansion-to-pay-for-tuition-increase/
[6] This paragraph is not present in the provided bullet points, but it is a conclusion that can be drawn from the information given.
- Despite the high prevalence of loneliness in colleges, Holy Cross, like many similar institutions, offers resources to combat it, such as campus counseling services, student organizations, residence halls with social programming, academic advising, and online platforms for peer support.
- The emotional coping tied to loneliness can be influenced by factors like resilience and personal traits, making certain students more vulnerable, such as females or those from less urban or lower-income backgrounds.
- Engaging with campus resources early and seeking support can help students reduce isolation and bolster social connections, as demonstrated by Ian Sykes '28 who found a loving community at Holy Cross.
- Building trait resilience and improving emotion regulation can potentially reduce social anxiety and loneliness, aiding students in managing social challenges.
- Loneliness can affect mental health and academic success, so it's crucial for students at Holy Cross to remember they are not alone and to seek the resources and support provided by the college to build connections and find their community.
- This Valentine's day, students should take the time to find their community and do something with them, or simply do whatever they need to love themselves, especially if they are not in a relationship.
- In the world of Holy Cross, family-dynamics, relationships, and personal-growth are all interconnected with education and self-development, making it essential for students to take advantage of the resources available to them.
- Love-and-dating and lifestyle concerns can also play a role in student's emotional well-being, and it's important for students to remember that they are not alone in their experiences, whether they find a significant other or not.
