Final answer:
The statement is true. Prolonged loneliness during childhood and young adulthood can predict future mental health problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement The duration of loneliness seems to be a prediction of future mental health problems in children and young adults is true. Research has shown that prolonged loneliness during childhood and young adulthood can have negative effects on mental health. For example, a meta-analysis by Nanni, Uher, and Danese (2012) found that childhood maltreatment, which can lead to loneliness, predicts an unfavorable course of illness and treatment outcome in depression.
Additionally, a study by Hunt et al. (2018) showed that limiting social media use, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness, can decrease loneliness and depression in individuals.
Therefore, it is important to address and reduce loneliness in children and young adults to promote positive mental health.