| Abstract: | The present study is a critical review of the research literature concerning the links between the teacher and children’s
loneliness. More specifically, the issue of children’s loneliness in the school is summarized. Research data documenting that
loneliness is a risk factor in children’s development are briefly reviewed. Next, hypotheses and research data are reviewed
on the following aspects: (I) the association between children’s loneliness and the quality of the teacher-child relationship
from the viewpoint of attachment theory; (II) the teacher’s attitude toward children’s loneliness and his or her perceptions
of his or her effectiveness in dealing with it; (III) the teacher’s ability to identify lonely children; and (IV) the children’s
perceptions of the role of the teacher in the emergence and alleviation of their loneliness. Finally, on the basis of the
existing data, critical questions are formulated, suggestions for future research are made, and educational implications for
teacher training and school-based interventions are discussed. |
