Exploration the Concept of Loneliness in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities Based on the Existential Phenomenological Approach

Intellectual disability is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive and communication impairments that can lead to limited social networks compared to the general population. Additionally, developmental changes during adolescence increase the vulnerability to loneliness in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of loneliness among adolescents with intellectual disabilities using an existential phenomenological approach. The research design was qualitative and hermeneutic, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 adolescents with mild and borderline intellectual disabilities. Data analysis was conducted simultaneously with data collection using the Dickelman method, resulting in four main themes: "Loneliness as an experience of separation," "Consequences of loneliness," "The nature of loneliness" and Loneliness as a fundamental experience of life." Each main theme was further analyzed to identify several subtopics. The results of this study, consistent with existing research on existential phenomenology, suggest that loneliness is an existential structure experienced by adolescents with intellectual disabilities. These findings provide valuable insights for educational and therapeutic professionals in planning programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting the importance of addressing their understanding of existential loneliness.