A1 Journal article (refereed)
Loneliness and interaction ritual theory : failed interaction chains among Finnish university students (2021)
Husu, H.-M. (2021). Loneliness and interaction ritual theory : failed interaction chains among Finnish university students. Emotions and Society, 3(2), 227-244. https://doi.org/10.1332/263169020X16065613191228
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Husu, Hanna-Mari
Journal or series: Emotions and Society
ISSN: 2631-6897
eISSN: 2631-6900
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 3
Issue number: 2
Pages range: 227-244
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/263169020X16065613191228
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73960
Abstract
This article relates loneliness to interaction ritual theory, understanding loneliness in terms of problematic microinteractional dynamics. The advantage of interaction ritual theory is that it extends our understanding of the issue of the psychologised self and related questions such as how loneliness feels or is experienced. Loneliness is here defined as a response to interaction representing relational understanding of emotions. Interaction ritual theory is interested in the emotional consequences that individuals experience from successful or unsuccessful interaction rituals. Loneliness in this view represents a state in which the individual is denied access to rewarding aspects of interaction. This study is based on 32 lifecourse interviews with Finnish students. It finds that loneliness as a failed microinteractional dynamic originates from students’ previous negative experiences of interaction, problematic situational settings and the structured flow of students’ daily activities.
Keywords: studies in an institution of higher education; students; social interaction; social life; emotions; loneliness
Free keywords: Collins, Randall; emotions; interaction ritual theory; loneliness; university students
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
