Living Situations and Mental Health: How Friendship and Unfamiliarity Affect Young

Adults' Emotional Well-Being

Kalidass,D.(2333622); Khandelwal,I. (2333635);Sharma,J.(2333641);Talniya.J.

(2333639);Senthilkumar,I(2333637);

Department of Psychology, CHRIST (deemed to be University)

BPSY461-3: Research methodology lab

Dr. Ganesh Kumar J

October 24, 2024

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ABSTRACT

This research investigates the effects of living arrangements—specifically cohabitation with

friends versus unfamiliar individuals—on the emotional well-being of young adults aged 18-26.

Using a mixed-method approach, including questionnaires and self-report surveys, the study

examines key variables such as satisfaction with roommates, anxiety levels, intimacy-building

behaviors, feelings of friendship, and mutual respect. The findings indicate no significant

differences in overall emotional well-being between participants living with friends and those

living with unfamiliar individuals. While cohabitation with friends offers immediate emotional

support, living with strangers fosters resilience and social competence over time as individuals

learn to navigate new relationships. These results underscore the complexity of how living

situations influence mental health, suggesting that both arrangements present unique benefits.

The study calls for educational institutions and policymakers to implement support systems to

facilitate adjustments in new social environments. Limitations include a narrow demographic

focus and reliance on self-reported data, which may not fully encompass the emotional

experiences of participants.

INTRODUCTION

Over the last decade, the connection between housing and wellbeing has become an issue of

growing interest to the psychological community, especially for the young adults. In developing

and transitioning from adolescence into adulthood, people experience lots of changes in their

living, social relations, and psychological state. It is a time for discovery and personal
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development, but it has its issues, which can disturb mental health significantly. The presence of

urbanisation, technological advancement and the changes in social relationships make all these

factors very sensitive, and hence it becomes crucial to explore the impact of different living

conditions with mental health status.

This study finds that peer relationship represents a particularly fundamental aspect of

social experience for the psychological health of children and adolescents at this age.

Fortunately, other positive relationships can also offer critical sources of social support that help

minimize stress and offer people the ability to get through difficult times. On the other hand,

limited social relationships may result in loneliness and isolation that are deemed as being

vulnerable for anxiety and depression. It is also a time of multiple shifting of loyalties as young

adults move from school to work, from one social group to another in a process of establishing

new friends and friendships in new settings. Thus, noting that friends as they struggle to build

their own profiles of identity, these friendships have a different impact on their psychological

well-being.

Besides the friendship characteristics, unfamiliarity as a living environment, social

contacts, or culture, in general, may affect young adults’ mental health. It can be stressful since

many young adults are relocating from their homes to college or jobs, having the pressure of

adjustment and at the same time attempting to build relationships. Such unfamiliarity may cause

one to feel detached, especially for clients who have difficulties adapting to new peer groups and

this may un-stabilise the anxiety disorder. The pressure of adjusting for new contexts is not

favorable for emotional health, thus the roles of mental wellness and how novel environments

under-determine social relations.

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This study aims to understand the relationships between dwelling status, friendship

patterns, and novelty for emerging adults and the effects of living situations on their wellbeing.

By reviewing such factors, the present paper aims at helping to enhance the comprehension of

the mental life of young adulthood and do some signposting on how such factors may be

prevented or addressed so as to enhance psychological well-being during this critical stage of

development.

This five-part framework of this study will use theories from science in Psychology,

Sociology, and Public Health to explain the impacts of living alone or with others/roommates. In

the subsequent section, we will clarify concepts, for instance, social capital represents the

resources that people acquire through their networks, and other experts propose that these

resources differ concerning living conditions and friendships’ existence. In addition, we will

explore how the subject feels uncomfortable or displaced when the situation changes or the

surrounding culture changes or the individual moves across the country or from one society to

another.

A discussion of these relationships is especially timely and relevant when the current

profound changes in society are in mind: remote work, the gig economy, and the pervasive

discussion about mental health. The importance of learning the manner that the inhabitants and

friends influence emotions of young grown-ups can help in the creation of policies and programs

enhancing their resistance.

To frame this inquiry, we will address the following research questions: In what manner

and to what extent living arrangements affect the formation and sustenance of friendship during

young adulthood? How does having friends like these, or not having any friends like these at all,

impact well-being? What happens to students’ well-being once they have moved the unfamiliar
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territory and are grouped together in new environments? In so doing, the following qualitative

and quantitative findings of this research hope to reveal the complex relationship between these

factors.

To that end, we will ask research questions that allow us to investigate this phenomenon

quantitatively and qualitatively by using surveys and interviews, respectively. Questionnaires

will help to quantify the experience people have with distinct types of living conditions and the

psychological consequences of such conditions; interviews will introduce the subjective

perception of the concept of friendship and strangeness, investigating the latter from the

emotional point of view. By adopting both of them, the study will provide an in-depth

understanding of how these components enshrine themselves among young adults in influencing

their mental health.

Therefore, the findings of this study should add useful insights to the current discourse on

young adult mental health particularly on the relations between living arrangements and social

relationships and consequently impact the effective documentation of young adults’ well-being.

We therefore propose to examine specific factors that promote or jeopardize mental health in the

hope of providing useful guidelines for young adults, educators, mental health practitioners, and

governments. They could provide a rationale for designing interventions that enhance friendly

contacts so that growing unfamiliarity does not cast such youths into ill-adjusting social isolation

as the life stage is crucial.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Friendship Dynamics and Mental Health

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It is particularly important for young adults who are posted to different cities or countries to

adapt to cultural differences since there are lots of complications involved. Literature has shown

that there is a relationship between acculturative stress and anxiety, and homesickness (Ward,

Bochner, & Furnham, 2001). It is especially noteworthy for students attending college across the

countries for, they can sometimes feel a little lost and alone.

However the friendships which people build could be cut off when they move to college

or change a job creating feelings of loneliness. It has been revealed that youth that may be having

difficulty in maintaining social relationships during such a transition, are likely to experience

mental health problems (VanderWeele, 2017).

A supportive roommate can alleviate stress and anxiety during the challenging transition

to university life. Open communication is emphasized as essential for preventing

misunderstandings and conflicts, which can create unnecessary tension. Also,roommates with

shared values and lifestyles often develop stronger bonds, enriching their college journey.

encourage universities to enhance roommate matching processes and provide resources to

improve communication skills. Ultimately, these relationships are crucial not only for emotional

well-being but also for academic success, making it clear that fostering these connections is key

to a positive college experience (Erb et al., 2023).

friendships that first-year university students form with their roommates in shared living spaces

are vital for helping students adjust to campus life. Many students express how positive

interactions with their roommates helped them overcome feelings of loneliness and

homesickness, making their transition to university more enjoyable and fulfilling. There are

several key elements that contribute to successful roommate relationships, such as shared

experiences that create strong bonds, open communication that helps resolve conflicts,
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compatibility in personalities and lifestyles, and the emotional support roommates provide during

challenging academic times.friendships that first-year university students form with their

roommates in shared living spaces crucial for students' emotional well-being and academic

success, suggesting that universities should consider implementing programs to improve

roommate matching and develop communication skills to foster healthier relationships (Aziz et

al., 2020).

Social Support and Mental Health in College Students

A study by Sarason, Levine, Basham, & Sarason (1983) emphasized the protective role of social

support in mental health, particularly among college students living in shared spaces. The

research highlights how the presence of close friends within living environments mitigates

feelings of loneliness and stress, contributing to higher levels of life satisfaction and lower rates

of depression and anxiety. Socially supportive living situations facilitate a buffer against

stressors such as academic pressure and homesickness, providing emotional safety nets for

young adults navigating transitional phases in their lives. This review underlines the positive

correlation between friendship networks and improved emotional well-being.

Impact of Roommate Relationships on Emotional Health

In a longitudinal study by Buote, Pancer, Pratt, et al. (2007), the effects of roommate

relationships on emotional adjustment during the first year of university were explored. The

research found that students who formed positive relationships with their roommates reported

fewer mental health challenges and higher emotional resilience. On the other hand, those who

struggled to connect with unfamiliar roommates often experienced increased stress, loneliness,

and difficulty adjusting to college life. The findings suggest that familiarity with roommates or
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the ability to form friendships can play a critical role in emotional well-being, with negative

relationships or unfamiliarity contributing to poor mental health outcomes.

Unfamiliarity, Loneliness, and Mental Health Among Young Adults

Russell, Cutrona, McRae, & Gomez (2012) explored the psychological effects of living with

strangers or in unfamiliar environments, particularly in the context of university dormitories.

This study identified loneliness as a key factor linked to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and

decreased overall well-being among young adults living in unfamiliar spaces. The lack of a

familiar social support network was cited as a major contributor to emotional distress. However,

the study also highlighted that those who engaged in social activities or developed new

friendships eventually reported improved mental health outcomes, suggesting that unfamiliarity

can be an initial hurdle but can lead to growth and improved social competence over time.

Living Situations, Personality Traits, and Well-Being in Young Adults

A study by van Zalk, Kerr, van Zalk, & Stattin (2011) investigated how personality traits affect

young adults' ability to adjust to living with unfamiliar individuals. The research found that

extroverted individuals were more likely to thrive in unfamiliar living environments due to their

natural tendency to seek out social connections. In contrast, introverted individuals faced greater

challenges in unfamiliar settings, often experiencing heightened anxiety and emotional strain.

The study emphasizes that while living with unfamiliar people can initially harm mental health,

personality traits play a crucial moderating role in how well young adults adapt to these

situations. Over time, those who actively sought out friendships reported better emotional well-

being, highlighting the importance of social integration.

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Living Situations and Emotional Well-Being

Living Alone: Data reveals that loneliness and isolation are likely to cause symptoms of

depression and anxiety and that loneliness is likely to be caused by living alone (Keller et al.,

2017). While some people enjoy being able to do whatever they want where they want it without

being hindered by others, some may find themselves restricted and with no one by their side,

helping them out.

Shared Accommodations: On the other hand, living with others brings emotions and gives a

sense of togetherness. Research has establishing that living in group housing viz, multi-tenant

building or apartment, group housing or dormitory may form some useful social relations and

personal effectiveness (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). However, the possibility of confrontation and

strain in collective dwelling interacts negatively on the level of mood and feelings too (Rofe,

2008).

Methodology

Research Objectives

● To analyse if having a friend for a roommate versus a stranger has an impact on

individuals.
● To identify the varying impacts of living with a friend as compared to a stranger.
● To explore the differing effects of a roommate as either a friend or stranger on one’s
mental health.

Research Questions

1. How does living with a friend compared to a stranger as a roommate impact individuals'
mental well-being and emotional stability?
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2. To what extent do living arrangements (living with friends vs. living with unfamiliar
individuals) predict levels of stress and anxiety among young adults?

Operational and Conceptual Definitions of the Variables

The variables chosen for the study are as follows:

1. Independent Variable- Relationship between the roommates.

2. Dependent Variable- Emotional well-being of the participant.

To assess the participants emotional well-being, we will be considering the following aspects of
the participants in context to their relationship with their roommate:

Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as a psychological condition marked by excessive worry, apprehension, and

nervousness about future events or situations, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as
increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Friendship

A voluntary relationship between two or more people that is relatively long-lasting and in
which those involved tend to be concerned with meeting the others’ needs and interests as well
as satisfying their own desires. Friendships frequently develop through shared experiences in
which the people involved learn that their association with one another is mutually gratifying
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Intimacy- Building

An interpersonal state of extreme emotional closeness such that each party’s personal space can
be entered by any of the other parties without causing discomfort to that person (American
Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Intimacy- Distancing
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Difficulty in forming close relationships and frienships with others psychologically. The problem
might involve difficulties with self-disclosure, trust, or commitment to a lasting relationship
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Mutual respect

It refers to value in areas such as listening to a roommate expressing ideas and exchanging
views on issues, allowing freedom of speech, leading to a more open conversation etc. This
practice not only has a positive impact but also improves the relationship of a roommate.
(Ahmad et al., 2000)

Research Design

The appropriate research design for this study is a comparative design. This design allows for
assessing and comparing the levels of satisfaction with roommate, intimacy-building behaviours,
intimacy-distancing behaviours, anxiety, friendship and mutual respect between those who have
friends as roommates and those are unacquainted with their roommates at a single point in time.
By comparing these variables between the two groups, we can assess whether there is a
significant difference in the overall emotional well-being in young adults based on their living
arrangements.

Data Collection Procedure

Convenience Sampling, a type of Non-Probability Sampling Technique, will be used to identify

and determine the sample for the study.

Population and Sample

Population. Adults falling between 18-25 years of age in India

Sample. Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Karnataka

Inclusion Criteria

1. Should be between 18-26 years of age

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2. Residing in India

3. Is currently sharing space with a roommate

Exclusion Criteria

1. Below 18 years of age or above 26 years of age

2. Residing outside of India

3. Does not have a roommate

Materials

The scale chosen for this research paper is as follows:

Roommate Relations Questionnaire

The Roommate Relations Questionnaire developed by Azian binti Abd Aziz, Norhanim Abdul
Samat, Muhammad Akmal Ayob and Syahrul Azwan bin Shaedid will be used to assess
emotional well-being in young adults based on their living arrangements. This scale is a self-
report questionnaire designed to measure various feelings mostly related to emotional well-
being, commonly experienced by people living with roommates. The questionnaire contains 43
closed question items, aimed at assessing participants’ satisfaction with their roommates,
intimacy- building and intimacy-distancing building practised by their roommates, as well
as their feelings of anxiety, friendship and mutual respect towards their roommates.

The following table shows an overview of the Roommate Relations Question Items
questionnaire.

All question items are formulated as a 5-point likert scale item. Question items from 1 to
5.10 require participants to select ‘strongly disagree, disagree, not sure, agree, or strongly agree’,
while question items from 6.1 to 11 require participants to select ‘never, rarely, not sure,
frequently, very frequently. The administration process takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The
instructions given should be clear and precise in order to make the respondents answer the
questions honestly.
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Procedure

The primary research method used in this study is the questionnaire method. Participants will be
asked to complete a standardized self- report questionnaire designed to measure levels of
satisfaction with roommate, intimacy-building behaviours, intimacy-distancing behaviours,
anxiety, friendship and mutual respect within roommates at a single point in time. The use of a
standardized questionnaire ensures consistency and reliability in data collection, allowing for a
meaningful comparison between those who have friends as roommates and those are
unacquainted with their roommates. Thus, we can assess whether there is a significant difference
in the overall emotional well-being in young adults based on their living arrangements.

Additionally, demographic information such as age, gender, and family structure will be
collected to control for potential confounding variables. The questionnaire will be administered
electronically through Google forms.

Results

t df Sig.(2-tailed)

Satisfaction Equal -.133 165 .894

with roomate variances
assumed

Equal -.133 156.441 .895

variances not
assumed

Intimacy- Equal .208 165 .835

building variances
behaviour assumed

Equal .208 155.998 .836

variances not
assumed
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Intimacy- Equal .027 165 .978

distancing variances
behaviour assumed

Equal .027 146.835 .978

variances not
assumed

Feelings of Equal -.503 165 .616

anxiety variances
assumed

Equal -.505 160.750 .614

variances not
assumed

Feelings of Equal -.909 165 .365

friendship variances
assumed

Equal -.903 154.063 .368

variances not
assumed

Mutual Equal -.264 165 .792

respect variances
assumed

Equal -.266 162.825 .790

variances not
assumed
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Living Std.
situation N Mean Deviation

Satisfaction Unfamiliar 75 10.7467 3.36152

with roomate person

A friend 92 10.8152 3.26799

already

Intimacy- Unfamiliar 75 19.4933 4.57187

building person
behaviour
A friend 92 19.3478 4.41634
already

Intimacy- Unfamiliar 75 12.0800 3.74079

distancing person
behaviour
A friend 92 12.0652 3.22014
already

Feelings of Unfamiliar 75 15.6267 7.23500

anxiety person

A friend 92 16.2065 7.55571

already

Feelings of Unfamiliar 75 34.3733 10.45553

friendship person

A friend 92 35.8043 9.83405

already

Mutual Unfamiliar 75 20.2800 3.32704

respect person

A friend 92 20.4239 3.64114

already

Analysis and interpretation

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The study reveals that there is no significant difference in overall emotional well-being between

young adults living with friends and those living with strangers. This suggests that, while initial

stages of living with unfamiliar people might present challenges such as discomfort or difficulty

in forming intimacy and friendship, these obstacles can be overcome over time, resulting in

strong social bonds. Overall, the data supports the notion that both living with friends and with

strangers have unique advantages, and neither is inherently better for mental well-being. The

study contributes to the broader understanding of how social relationships in shared living

situations influence young adults' mental health.

Implications

The study suggests that while there are no significant differences in overall emotional well-being

between young adults living with a friend and those living with an unfamiliar person, the initial

stages of living with a stranger can introduce challenges. Feeling comfortable at ease , intimacy

and feelings of friendship may take longer to develop in such situations, though strong social

bonds can still form over time. Having a friend as a roommate might offer an initial emotional

advantage, providing immediate social support and comfort. However, living with a stranger can

foster emotional growth and help individuals develop resilience and social competence, as they

learn to navigate unfamiliar relationships. This hThis has practical implications for universities

and workplaces, where peer support programs or team-building activities could help ease the

transition for those adjusting to unfamiliar roommates. Counseling strategies might also focus on

helping individuals adapt to new social situations. Overall, the findings challenge the idea that

living with friends is better, showing how living with strangers can have long-term benefits,

potentially influencing housing policies and support systems.

Limitations
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This research has its limitations which include the restricted sample diversity, as it focuses solely

on young adults(18-26) in Karnataka, India, limiting its generalizability to other cultural and

socioeconomic contexts.the study’s cross-sectional design only captures a snapshot in time,

failing to reflect how emotional adjustments with roommates may evolve. Moreover, the binary

focus on friends versus strangers overlooks other influential factors, such as roommate

compatibility, conflict resolution, and shared interests, which could significantly impact well-

being. The reliance on self-report questionnaires also raises concerns about potential bias, as

participants may not fully disclose their true emotions with exploration of psychological

variables, such as depression or self-esteem, leaves gaps in understanding the broader emotional

impacts of shared living arrangements.

Ethical issues

1. Informed voluntary Consent: It's important that participants fully understand what the study

involves,its objective aims, any risks, and that they can withdraw at any time without

consequences.

2. Emotional Risk: Since the study deals with sensitive topics like loneliness and adjustment, it

should be careful not to cause emotional distress. There should be support available, such as

counseling, for anyone who may struggle during the process.

3. Confidentiality: Protecting participants’ personal and mental health information is important.

All data should be kept confidential, with strong safeguards in place to prevent any violation of

privacy.

4. Vulnerability: Young adults, especially those in new or unfamiliar living situations, may be

emotionally vulnerable. The research must be conducted with care and compassion, ensuring

participants are not exploited or put at risk of harm.

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5. Cultural Sensitivity: People’s experiences of friendship and emotional well-being can differ

based on their cultural background. The study must be inclusive and considerate of these

differences, making sure it respects and accurately reflects the diverse experiences of

participants.

Summary

This study investigates the impact of different living arrangements, specifically cohabitation with

friends versus unfamiliar individuals, on the emotional well-being of young adults aged 18-26 in

Karnataka, India. The research examines variables such as friendship dynamics, anxiety levels,

intimacy development, and mutual respect between roommates. Utilizing a mixed-method

approach that includes questionnaires and self-report surveys, the study aims to assess the

emotional effects of these distinct living situations. The findings emphasize the role of social

support in alleviating stress, homesickness, and loneliness while also recognizing the challenges

posed by living with unfamiliar individuals.

The results indicate no significant difference in overall emotional well-being between

participants living with friends and those living with unfamiliar individuals. However, living

with friends offers immediate emotional comfort and social support, particularly in the initial

stages. In contrast, living with unfamiliar individuals fosters long-term emotional benefits by

promoting resilience and social competence, as individuals learn to manage and navigate

unfamiliar relationships. These findings underscore the complexity of how friendships and

unfamiliar living situations influence mental health, highlighting the potential benefits of both

types of living arrangements.

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Conclusion

This study concludes that living arrangements exert a nuanced influence on the emotional well-

being of young adults. While cohabitation with friends offers initial emotional advantages,

cohabitation with unfamiliar individuals promotes emotional growth over time by enhancing

social skills and resilience. Both living arrangements provide distinct benefits, suggesting that

educational institutions, workplaces, and policymakers should implement support systems to

facilitate the adjustment process for individuals in new social environments. Counseling

interventions and team-building activities may help to mitigate the challenges associated with

unfamiliar living arrangements. Limitations of the study include its regional focus and the

reliance on self-reported data, which may not fully capture the emotional complexity of

participants' experiences.
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