The effect of peer relationships on loneliness: A moderated mediation model

I examined the effect of peer relationships and core self-evaluation on loneliness, and explored the moderating role of migrant status in this context by surveying 389 junior high school students using a questionnaire method. The results showed that core self-evaluation partially mediated the relationship between peer relationships and loneliness. In addition, migrant status had a significant moderating effect on the first half pathway of the mediating process. These findings deepen understanding of the mechanisms affecting loneliness in adolescents, especially migrant adolescents. The findings could help researchers develop more effective interventions to reduce loneliness among adolescents, focusing on the mental health problems of migrant children to provide them with more comprehensive support.