Loneliness among parents during the perinatal and early parenting periods: a cross-sectional study in Australia

Background Becoming a parent involves major shifts in identity and social networks that can heighten the risk of loneliness. Although loneliness is increasingly recognised as a significant public health issue, limited studies have systematically examined its prevalence among the general population of parents during the perinatal and early parenting periods using validated instruments. This study addresses this gap by investigating the prevalence and predictors of loneliness among Australian parents during these critical periods using high-quality, representative datasets. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in January 2025 with 907 Australian parents during the perinatal and early parenting periods. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale and a validated single-item measure. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted separately for perinatal parents (pregnant or with children under one year) and early childhood parents (children aged one to four years) to examine associations between loneliness and demographic, psychosocial, and mental health variables. Results The mean score on the UCLA-LS was 48.32 (which is higher on average than similar studies sampling older adults and people during the COVID pandemic). Greater loneliness was associated with being younger, female, single, residing in regional areas, having lower education and income levels, and not being in paid employment. Across both parenting groups, economic hardship, perceived stigma, limited social interaction, and absence of partner support consistently predicted greater loneliness. Among perinatal parents, lower education and elevated symptoms of depression and stress were significant predictors, while female sex was a key predictor among early childhood parents. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that loneliness is pervasive and severe in the perinatal and early parenting periods, representing a substantial public health concern. While economic difficulties, stigma, social disconnection, and lack of partner support were common predictors across both groups, stage-specific differences were also observed. These findings underscore the need for both universal and tailored interventions to reduce parental loneliness, including integrated mental health and social support services. The persistently high levels of loneliness across parenting stages highlight the importance of sustained, rather than time-limited, support strategies. Further longitudinal research is warranted to clarify causal relationships and inform targeted policy and practice.