scholarly journals Isolation and well-being in the time of lockdown

REGION ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-97
Author(s):  
Lise Bourdeau Lepage ◽  
Balázs Kotosz
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socially Isolated

In response to the Covid‑19 health crisis, the French government has imposed various measures, referred to as social-distancing measures, including a lockdown with the primary objective of reducing face-to-face interactions between people in order to limit the spread of the virus. This paper seeks to determine if the social-distancing measures and lockdown lead to social isolation for certain people and have an impact on French people’s well-being. First, it reveals that the feelings of social isolation have substantially increased in France during this lockdown.  Second, it explores the factors that help to explain these changes by developing a predictive model and reveals that living alone, being a woman, being young are factors that explain this increase in felling of social isolation. Third, the estimation of the effects of changes in feelings of social isolation on changes in the reported level of well-being of French respondents during lockdown shows that people who reported feeling more socially isolated than others has the lowest levels of well-being among the French population; and that the increase in people’s feelings of social isolation during lockdown is a factor that has a negative impact on their level of well-being.

scholarly journals A genetic screen for Drosophila social isolation mutants and analysis of sex pistol

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Eddison
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Genetic Screen ◽  
P Element ◽  
Male Courtship ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
High Level

AbstractProlonged periods of forced social isolation is detrimental to well-being, yet we know little about which genes regulate susceptibility to its effects. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, social isolation induces stark changes in behavior including increased aggression, locomotor activity, and resistance to ethanol sedation. To identify genes regulating sensitivity to isolation, I screened a collection of sixteen hundred P-element insertion lines for mutants with abnormal levels of all three isolation-induced behaviors. The screen identified three mutants whose affected genes are likely central to regulating the effects of isolation in flies. One mutant, sex pistol (sxp), became extremely aggressive and resistant to ethanol sedation when socially isolated. sxp also had a high level of male–male courtship. The mutation in sxp reduced the expression of two minor isoforms of the actin regulator hts (adducin), as well as mildly reducing expression of CalpA, a calcium-dependent protease. As a consequence, sxp also had increased expression of the insulin-like peptide, dILP5. Analysis of the social behavior of sxp suggests that these minor hts isoforms function to limit isolation-induced aggression, while chronically high levels of dILP5 increase male–male courtship.

scholarly journals Smartphone Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social Versus Physical Distancing

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1034
Author(s):  
Meredith E. David ◽  
James A. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limiting face-to-face interaction is the best strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We investigate the impact of social distancing on social connection and well-being, while also considering the moderating influence of smartphone use. In a survey of 400 students, the study presented herein finds that smartphone use attenuates the negative impact of social distancing on social connection and well-being. Contrary to popular sentiments regarding the influence of smartphone use on well-being, increased smartphone use during the pandemic may foster social connection and well-being. Overall, the research presented provides evidence that the perceived loss of social connection with others is not a de facto outcome of social distancing. The study’s findings have important implications for public policymakers, government officials, and others, including consumer researchers. These implications include stressing the important role technology can play in staying socially connected during the current pandemic and the importance of reframing “social distancing” as “physical distancing with social connectedness”.

Social isolation is associated with 90-day rehospitalization due to heart failure

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Saito ◽  
Nobuyuki Kagiyama ◽  
Noriko Nagano ◽  
Kozue Matsumoto ◽  
Kenji Yoshioka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Rehospitalization Rate ◽  
The Social ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Selection Operator

Background: Social isolation has been reported to be associated with decreased quality of life and the onset of organic diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of social isolation in patients with heart failure and whether it is associated with rehospitalization. Methods and results: The study included consecutive patients aged ⩾55 years who were hospitalized due to heart failure. Social isolation was assessed using total scores less than 12 on an abbreviated version of the Lubben Social Network Scale. The endpoint was heart failure rehospitalization within 90 days after discharge. Among 148 patients with heart failure (80±8 years old, 51% male), 73 (49%) were socially isolated. The patients with social isolation had similar comorbidities compared with those without social isolation. Heart failure rehospitalization occurred within 90 days for 25 patients and the heart failure rehospitalization rate was significantly higher in the social isolation group ( p=0.036). LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression confirmed that social isolation was one of the strongest predictors of heart failure rehospitalization, showing larger effects than living alone, being unemployed, and other established risk factors. Conclusion: Half of the patients with heart failure reported social isolation, which had a strong association with heart failure rehospitalization.

scholarly journals Is Facebook A Planet of Lonely Individuals? : A Review of Literature

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelly Bhagat
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Social ◽  
Definition Of

Social media is a new formed society for individuals to interact and connect with each other, despite of their caste, class, region, religion, and race, which eventually is focusing on the overall wellbeing of individuals surfing on social media regularly. Loneliness has a major influence on psychosocial problems, mental health, and physical well-being which is now focusing the individuals more who spends most of the time online. Many people on social media sites often present idealized versions of their lives, leading others to make upward social comparisons, which can lead to negative emotions. Social interactions on social media sites, specifically Facebook, may have a negative impact on face-to-face encounters for individuals who already have high levels of Loneliness and anxiety. In the present review, loneliness is introduced as an exemplar of social media deficits highlighting the social media website Facebook. Here a definition of loneliness is provided, as well as explanation of why it may pose a situation of concern for Facebook users.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and Its Related Factors in Participants of a Senior Citizens’ College in Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 321-321
Author(s):  
Hayato Uchida ◽  
Yoshinori Fujiwara ◽  
Shinro Matsuura
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Hyogo Prefecture

Abstract The aim of this study was to clarify the social isolation and its related factors of participants in senior citizen’s college in Japan. The participants were 104 persons (age 73.3+/-4.3) aged sixty-five years or over living in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. They were the students of a senior citizens’ college established by Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture in 1981. We conducted a cross- sectional study that included age, family structure, employment status, financial status, self-related health, presence of chronic disorders, instrumental activities of daily living, dietary variety score (1-10). The mental health well-being was assessed using the Japanese version of the World Health Organization Mental Health Well-being Index-five items (WHO-5). We defined social isolation as seeing friends or relatives less than two or three times a month. We carried out the survey in November in 2019. Selected variables were compared after dividing the participants into “socially isolated group” and “not socially isolated group”. A t-test, a chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the related factors of social isolation in this study. Of the 104 participants who were analyzed for social isolation, 21 (20.2%) were found to be socially isolated. From the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, “lower mental health” (OR=4.013, 95%CI=1.745-10.435) and “lower self-related health” (OR=2.583, 95%CI=1.103-9.564) were independently associated with social isolation. These results suggest that, to prevent the social isolation of the participants in senior citizen’s college in Japan, it is necessary to develop and implement the approach which promote mental health and self-related health.

Social distancing in a social therapy environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 113-127
Author(s):  
Geraldine Ann Akerman ◽  
Emily Jones ◽  
Harry Talbot ◽  
Gemma Grahame-Wright
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Social Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Emotional Environment ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a prison-based therapeutic community (TC). Design/methodology/approach The paper takes the form of a case study where the authors reflect on their current practice, using the findings of research on social isolation and the overarching TC principles to explore the effect of the pandemic on the TC at HMP Grendon. The authors consider how the residents and staff adjusted to the change as the parameters changed when the social distancing rules were imposed and how they adapted to the prolonged break to therapy. Sections in the paper were written by a resident and an operational member of staff. The authors conclude with their thoughts on how to manage the consequences the lockdown has brought and start to think about what returning to “normality” might mean. Findings The paper describes the adjustments made by the residents and staff as the UK Government imposed the lockdown. The authors, including a resident and an operational member of staff comment on the psychological and practical impact these adjustments had. The thought is given to the idea of “recovery”, returning to “normality” and how this study can be best managed once restrictions are lifted. Research limitations/implications At the time of writing, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HMP Grendon. The measures and commitment from all staff and residents in the prison to keep the prison environment safe may in part account for this. This paper explores the effects of lockdown on the emotional environment in a TC and highlights the consequences that social isolation can have on any individual. To the authors’ knowledge, there is currently no research undertaken on the impact of lockdown/social isolation on a TC. This research would be useful, as the authors postulate from reflections on current practice that the effects of the lockdown will be greater in a social therapy environment. Originality/value HMP Grendon started in 1962, as this time there have been no significant events that have meant the suspension of therapy for such a sustained period. It is, therefore, important that the impact of such is considered and reflected upon.

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Old Age

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemens Tesch-Roemer ◽  
Oliver Huxhold
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Social Perceptions ◽  
Social Expectations ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Aging Persons

Social isolation refers to the objective lack of social integration. Loneliness, in contrast, refers to the perceived lack of social integration. Loneliness has serious consequences for the well-being of aging persons. Individuals who feel lonely tend to have poorer health, less autonomy, and lower subjective well-being than individuals who do not feel lonely. Lonely individuals even tend to become more socially isolated over time. While prevalence rates of social isolation increase with advancing age, only a minority of older people suffer from severe loneliness, however. Hence, loneliness is not necessarily a consequence of growing old, but rather, depends on specific risk factors (e.g., social needs, social expectations, resources, and competencies). Interventions therefore should be focused on these risk factors (unfulfilled social needs, unmet social perceptions, and lack of resources and competencies).

The Social Price of Constant Connectivity: Smartphones Impose Subtle Costs on Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kostadin Kushlev ◽  
Ryan Dwyer ◽  
Elizabeth W. Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sampling Studies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
The Social ◽  
Smartphone Use

Smartphones provide people with a variety of benefits, but they may also impose subtle social costs. We propose that being constantly connected undercuts the emotional benefits of face-to-face social interactions in two ways. First, smartphone use may diminish the emotional benefits of ongoing social interactions by preventing us from giving our full attention to friends and family in our immediate social environment. Second, smartphones may lead people to miss out on the emotional benefits of casual social interactions by supplanting such interactions altogether. Across field experiments and experience-sampling studies, we find that smartphones consistently interfere with the emotional benefits people could otherwise reap from their broader social environment. We also find that the costs of smartphone use are fairly subtle, contrary to proclamations in the popular press that smartphones are ruining our social lives. By highlighting how smartphones affect the benefits we derive from our broader social environment, this work provides a foundation for building theory and research on the consequences of mobile technology for human well-being.

scholarly journals Więzi społeczne a zjawisko samotności i osamotnienia

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldona Żurek
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Social Bonds ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Social Bond ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Analytical Category

In modern societies, the number of people who are socially isolated and experience constant feeling of loneliness is increasing. Main causes of this social isolation are associated with both inherent features of an individual and features of structures such as family and local community. An isolated person is a person who has limited number of significant others. Nevertheless, loneliness may also occur when a person is a part of a lot of social relations. The feeling of loneliness is therefore an individually experienced discomfort resulting from a subjective evaluation of the desired and the existing network of social relations. Both phenomena are threats to the welfare of individuals and at the same time are a challenge for organizations which are dealing with social policy. An analytical category which provides the diagnosis of loneliness and isolation is the social bond. The assessment of deficits associated with social bonds and can be performed measuring following criteria: quantity, quality and potency of the social bond.

scholarly journals Social isolation impacts late-life socio-cognitive decline in APP/PS1 mice

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Rens ◽  
Rudi D’Hooge ◽  
Ann Van der Jeugd
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Social Recognition ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Y Maze ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socially Isolated

AbstractIn this study the effects of social isolation (SI) were investigated in APP/PS1 mice. It was found that SI during adolescence has an impact on anxiogenic behaviour, such that isolated animals tend to explore a threatening environment less than non-isolated animals as assessed with the EPM test, and that this holds for both AD and non-AD mice. While no evidence was found for any differences in short-term memory as assessed by the Y-maze, long-term memory seemed to be affected in a context-dependent manner. Object memory as assessed with the NOR test was affected in APP/PS1 mice compared to WT mice, but this deficit was not induced or influenced by SI. When it comes to social recognition memory however, we found that SI exacerbated the social memory deficit in AD mice, and even induced a deficit in WTs. Associative fear memory as assessed with the PA test suggested that WTs perform better when group housed, and APP/PS1 mice better when socially isolated. The link between isolation and AD, or cognition in general, may be more complex than initially thought. The effect of isolation may not be the same for AD versus non-AD subjects.

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