A Case Study on Friendship, Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction among Preschool Children

This study was designed to identify the relationship between number of best friends and the feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction among the children in preschool. Thirtysix children of a private preschool were interviewed based on structured interview using interview schedule to gather information regarding their self reported feelings on loneliness and social dissatisfaction at their preschool. In-depth interviews was also conducted to elicit information from the children and the teachers regarding the children’s best friends, socialization at school and the feelings of loneliness. Findings suggest that a considerable number of children experience feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction at preschool. However, the study did not find any significant relationship between children’s number of best friends and the self reported feelings of loneliness and social dissatisfaction.