Abstract:

The purpose of the present study was to determine the differences between interpersonal cognitive distortions concerning loneliness levels of girls and boys in high schools. The population of the study was composed of 429 students (263 girls, 166 boys), attending different high schools in central Ankara. UCLA Loneliness Scale, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale and Demographic Information Form were applied to the research group. Two-way ANOVA was used to determine whether the participants’ cognitive distortions vary with regard to levels of loneliness and sex. The results of the study indicated that distortion of avoidance from intimacy varies in regard to levels of loneliness and sex. No significant difference was determined concerning the unrealistic relationship expectation with respect to levels of loneliness and sex. Finally, the results suggested that female students in comparison with male students, and the ones with low-level loneliness in comparison with high-level loneliness employ more mind-reading distortions

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