The Loneliness Crisis and the Decline of Free Play

The Loneliness Crisis and the Decline of Free Play: Pathways and Effects

Over the past few decades, Canada, like other post-industrial societies, has undergone a number of sweeping social, demographic and economic changes which have transformed the conditions of contemporary family life. Many parents are now struggling to meet the demands of a workplace that can reach out to them 24/7, care for children and ageing parents, and maintain satisfying social relationships. Consequently, chronic loneliness is widespread. The implications of chronic loneliness for parents and children, including parents of children with disabilities who are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, may be far-reaching. This study investigates the intriguing possibility that a rise in the prevalence of loneliness among parents of children with and without disabilities may have contributed to the decline of free and 'risky' (i.e., physically & socially challenging) outdoor play, and portend a rise in the prevalence of social-emotional problems among children and youth.

This multi year project is being undertaken by University of Alberta researchers, Dr David McConnell, Dr Shanon Phelan, Dr Christina Rinaldi, and Dr Rhonda Breitkreuz. The study is partially funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.