scholarly journals Sickness and the Social Brain: Love in the Time of COVID

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Smith ◽  
Staci D. Bilbo
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Group Living ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
Sickness Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Social ◽  
Males And Females

As a highly social species, inclusion in social networks and the presence of strong social bonds are critical to our health and well-being. Indeed, impaired social functioning is a component of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, our social networks are at risk of fracture and many are vulnerable to the negative consequences of social isolation. Importantly, infection itself leads to changes in social behavior as a component of “sickness behavior.” Furthermore, as in the case of COVID-19, males and females often differ in their immunological response to infection, and, therefore, in their susceptibility to negative outcomes. In this review, we discuss the many ways in which infection changes social behavior—sometimes to the benefit of the host, and in some instances for the sake of the pathogen—in species ranging from eusocial insects to humans. We also explore the neuroimmune mechanisms by which these changes in social behavior occur. Finally, we touch upon the ways in which the social environment (group living, social isolation, etc.) shapes the immune system and its ability to respond to challenge. Throughout we emphasize how males and females differ in their response to immune activation, both behaviorally and physiologically.

scholarly journals Understanding Social Network and Support for Older Immigrants in Ontario, Canada: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sepali Guruge ◽  
Souraya Sidani ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Bharati Sethi ◽  
Denise Spitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Social

BACKGROUND Older adults are the fastest growing age group worldwide and in Canada. Immigrants represent a significant proportion of older Canadians. Social isolation is common among older adults and has many negative consequences, including limited community and civic participation, increased income insecurity, and increased risk of elder abuse. Additional factors such as the social, cultural, and economic changes that accompany migration, language differences, racism, and ageism heighten older immigrants’ vulnerability to social isolation. OBJECTIVE This mixed-methods sequential (qualitative-quantitative) study seeks to clarify older immigrants’ social needs, networks, and support and how these shape their capacity, resilience, and independence in aging well in Ontario. METHODS Theoretically, our research is informed by an intersectionality perspective and an ecological model, allowing us to critically examine the complexity surrounding multiple dimensions of social identity (eg, gender and immigration) and how these interrelate at the micro (individual and family), meso (community), and macro (societal) levels in diverse geographical settings. Methodologically, the project is guided by a collaborative, community-based, mixed-methods approach to engaging a range of stakeholders in Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, and London in generating knowledge. The 4 settings were strategically chosen for their diversity in the level of urbanization, size of community, and the number of immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations. Interviews will be conducted in Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish with older women, older men, family members, community leaders, and service providers. The study protocol has received ethics approval from the 4 participating universities. RESULTS Quantitative and qualitative data collection is ongoing. The project is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada. CONCLUSIONS Comparative analyses of qualitative and quantitative data within and across sites will provide insights about common and unique factors that contribute to the well-being of older immigrants in different regions of Ontario. Given the comprehensive approach to incorporating local knowledge and expert contributions from multilevel stakeholders, the empirical and theoretical findings will be highly relevant to our community partners, help facilitate practice change, and improve the well-being of older men and women in immigrant communities. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/12616

From Social Integration to Social Isolation: The Relationship Between Social Network Types and Perceived Availability of Social Support in a National Sample of Older Canadians

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 715-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Harasemiw ◽  
Nancy Newall ◽  
Shahin Shooshtari ◽  
Corey Mackenzie ◽  
Verena Menec
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health And Well Being

It is well-documented that social isolation is detrimental to health and well-being. What is less clear is what types of social networks allow older adults to get the social support they need to promote health and well-being. In this study, we identified social network types in a national sample of older Canadians and explored whether they are associated with perceived availability of different types of social support (affectionate, emotional, or tangible, and positive social interactions). Data were drawn from the baseline questionnaire of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging for participants aged 65–85 (unweighted n = 8,782). Cluster analyses revealed six social network groups. Social support generally declined as social networks became more restricted; however, different patterns of social support availability emerged for different social network groups. These findings suggest that certain types of social networks place older adults at risk of not having met specific social support needs.

National Identification, A Social Cure for COVID-19? Evidence From 67 Countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Bonetto ◽  
Sylvain Delouvée ◽  
Yara Mahfud ◽  
Jais Adam-Troian
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
National Identification ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mental Health Benefits

Social distancing and mass quarantines were implemented worldwide in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research on the effects of social isolation has shown that such measures bear negative consequences for population health and well-being. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that feeling positively identified with a group is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits. This effect is referred to as the social cure and generalizes to various identities. In line with these findings, this study tested whether national identification could promote wellbeing and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we used survey data conducted among 67 countries (N = 46,450) which included measures of wellbeing, national identification, and subjective physical health. Mixed-model analyses revealed that national identity was indeed associated with wellbeing - despite adjustment on social belonging, COVID-19 perceived risk, exposure, and ideology. This effect did not extend to subjective health. These results suggest that the mere feeling of belonging to a national group may have mental health benefits and could be leveraged by governments. We discuss the implications of our findings within the social cure framework and their relevance for population mental health under COVID-19.

Comparing the social networks of service users with long term mental health needs living in community with those in a general adult in-patient unit

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110175
Author(s):  
Roberto Rusca ◽  
Ike-Foster Onwuchekwa ◽  
Catherine Kinane ◽  
Douglas MacInnes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
The Social

Background: Relationships are vital to recovery however, there is uncertainty whether users have different types of social networks in different mental health settings and how these networks may impact on users’ wellbeing. Aims: To compare the social networks of people with long-term mental illness in the community with those of people in a general adult in-patient unit. Method: A sample of general adult in-patients with enduring mental health problems, aged between 18 and 65, was compared with a similar sample attending a general adult psychiatric clinic. A cross-sectional survey collected demographic data and information about participants’ social networks. Participants also completed the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to examine well-being and the Significant Others Scale to explore their social network support. Results: The study recruited 53 participants (25 living in the community and 28 current in-patients) with 339 named as important members of their social networks. Both groups recorded low numbers in their social networks though the community sample had a significantly greater number of social contacts (7.4 vs. 5.4), more monthly contacts with members of their network and significantly higher levels of social media use. The in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Conclusions: People with serious and enduring mental health problems living in the community had a significantly greater number of people in their social network than those who were in-patients while the in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Recommendations for future work have been made.

scholarly journals To Associate Between Social Adaptive Behavior and Socio Demographic Variables among Children with Chronic Illness

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mridula. C. Jobson ◽  
Dr. R. Subhashini
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Behavior Problems ◽  
Adaptive Behavior ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
The Social ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Back Ground: Chronic Illness is disorders or diseases that compromise well-being, either temporarily or chronically. These conditions are risk factors for Social behavior problem. Analyzing the prevalence of Social behavior problems of children with chronic illness and identifying related risk factors is of theoretical and practical relevance. It helps to understand psychosocial consequences of chronic diseases and provides valuable information for clinicians regarding who should be screened for what kind of problems. There are various factors that influence the social adaptive behavior of the child with chronic illness. Identification of association of demographic variable shall provide the underlying associated causes for such behavioral problem. Aim and Objective: This study analyses the association of socio-demographic factors and social adaptive behavior problems of pediatrics with chronic illness. Samples and Methods: The study was carried out in 90 pediatric patients in MMM hospital between age group 1 to 6 years. The samples were selected through convenient sampling technique. The Tool used for data collection and assessment of social maturity level is Semi structured questionnaire which include. Section A: Socio demographic profile and Section B: The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) A parent-report questionnaire. Result: The association between the social adaptive behavior problems and demographic variables using chi square test reveals that socio demographic variables such as economic factors and medical condition have significant association with the behavior of the child. Conclusion: The preliminary study concludes the association between the socio demographic factors and behavior. This particularly emphasizes on multidimensional   assessment and treatment.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Romantic Relationships

Encyclopedia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1038-1046
Author(s):  
Octav-Sorin Candel ◽  
Mihaela Jitaru
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
The Other ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Social ◽  
Emotional Safety

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted most people’s activities and relationships. Romantic relationships are a crucial source of fulfillment and emotional safety for many individuals. However, due to the risk of illness and the social distancing norms, human interaction, even inside one’s couple or family, suffered great changes. Some of these changes have the potential of disrupting people’s relational or psychological well-being, but they can also have positive impacts. On the other hand, one of the most negative consequences is the growing number of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. Considering all these aspects, therapy would be beneficial for those affected.

scholarly journals A study on the social behavior and social isolation of the elderly Korea

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Surk Yi ◽  
Hee-Joung Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Social

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN RUSSIA: RESULTS OF A STUDY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE "WORLD INTERNET PROJECT - 2021"

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-13
Author(s):  
I.A. Batanina ◽  
◽  
E.V. Brodovskaya ◽  
A.Y. Dombrovskaya ◽  
R.V. Parma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioral Characteristics ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Online Retail ◽  
Online Consumer Behavior ◽  
The Social ◽  
Political Effects ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Online Consumer ◽  
Digital Gap

The results of the All-Russian survey on the social well-being of citizens in the con-text of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The baseline results were con-clusions about changes in Russians 'offline and online consumer behavior, social expecta-tions, fears and citizens' perception of universal vaccination as a measure to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed that three types of fears prevail among Russians: coronavirus infection of relatives and friends, their own illness when they do not receive the necessary medical care, and a drop in income (worsening living conditions) amid an uncon-trollably spreading pandemic. The analysis of the survey database showed the activation of digital behavior of citizens in the context of the pandemic, which became a favorable factor in the development of online retail. Against the background of the spread of the COVID-19 vi-rus, the age structure of the Russian national audience is changing, and the digital gap be-tween generations is gradually being bridged. The pandemic triggered the involvement of older people in the digital space. Cluster analysis of the research data made it possible to segment Russians into three groups in relation to the pandemic and measures to overcome it: covid-pessimists, who suffered the most from the restrictions of the corona virus and did not adapt to life under conditions of covid-restrictions; covid-optimists who have successfully adapted to new circumstances in connection with the spread of the COVID-19 virus; covid-realists focused on constructively overcoming the negative consequences of restrictive pandemic measures. Their socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics have been ana-lyzed, and the specificity of the civic position of representatives of various clusters of Rus-sians has been established.

Social isolation: development and validation of measures

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1905-1920
Author(s):  
Sushant Ranjan ◽  
Rama Shankar Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
External Criterion ◽  
Validity Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development And Validation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate items on social isolation. The comprehensive literature review of existing studies on the measures of social isolation, loneliness and the related construct was conducted. The paper seeks to conceptualize, validate and present items to measure social isolation. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on theoretical and empirical investigation of the measures of social isolation, loneliness and related constructs such as social others, social loneliness and feeling of sociability. The items were generated through theoretical exploration of previous literature and later modified. The author examined the items through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and further checked for external criterion validity. Data collected from 128 individuals, in India, were examined to design and validate the scale. Findings The finding of the paper is a ten-item social isolation scale. Using structural equation modeling, we have found extraversion and well-being significantly associated with final items in the present study, confirming the external quality of the scale. Practical implications Organizations may benefit by close examination of the presence of social isolation in employees along with providing support and assistance to employees so as to reduce negative consequences of social isolation and can address the well-being of the employee. Originality/value There is a dearth of developed and validated measures of social isolation in the literature. The study reveals the conceptualization and empirical validation of measures of social isolation in the Indian context so that researchers can move forward to develop theories on social isolation.

The Social Context of Driving Cessation: Understanding the Effects of Cessation on the Life Satisfaction of Older Drivers and Their Social Partners

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 1661-1686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Schryer ◽  
Kathrin Boerner ◽  
Amy Horowitz ◽  
Joann P. Reinhardt ◽  
Steven E. Mock
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Older Drivers ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Partners

Older adults with vision loss and a friend or family member were interviewed over a 2-year period. We examined the effects of driving cessation on life satisfaction among older adults and a social contact. Drivers’ use of public transportation was examined as a moderator. Driving cessation was associated with a decline in life satisfaction among social partners but not for the drivers. Drivers’ use of public transportation at baseline moderated the effects of cessation on changes in well-being among social partners, but had little effect on the life satisfaction of the drivers. Life satisfaction was greater among the social partners of ex-drivers who used public transportation more frequently. The association between driving cessation and well-being should be studied in the context of older drivers’ social networks. Infrastructure (e.g., subways and buses) that supports transportation needs plays an important role in mitigating the effects of cessation on older adults’ social networks.

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