4 CONSEQUENCES of SOCIAL ISOLATION

  • Jul 26, 2021
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Consequences of social isolation

We all have the need for social contacts with our peers to maintain a psychological adaptation normal, although there are wide individual differences in the exact amount of "optimal" contact for each of the U.S. Deprivation of social contacts is disturbing, leaving most people disoriented and easily influenced. It seems then that we all have the need for social contacts with our peers to maintain normal psychological adaptation, although there are wide individual differences in the exact amount of "optimal" touch for each of us. Deprivation of social contacts is disturbing, leaving most people disoriented and easily influenced. In this Psychology-Online article we will discover together the consequences of social isolation, seeing how it impacts our brain.

You may also like: The Importance of Social Skills

Index

  1. Relationship of social isolation and mental health
  2. Psychological effects of social isolation
  3. Social isolation in the elderly
  4. What is emotional isolation

Relationship of social isolation and mental health.

What happens when people are forced for some reason to leave their usual circle of social contacts and to live in isolation from others? There appear to be large individual differences in people's tolerance for isolation, and in the amounts of social contact and stimulation they need. Psychologists such as Hebb (1955) and Eysenck and Eysenck (1969) affirm that individuals are distinguished in their basic level of activation and, therefore, at the optimal level of stimulation they need from the the rest.

Eysenck suggested that different underlying levels of activation, determined by biological factors and genetics, also explain fundamental differences in personality such as estroversion-introversion and neurosis. These theories seem to assume that sociability is linked to basic personality models and the genetic and physiological makeup of a person.

Withdrawal behaviors are frequent in everyone's life and do not necessarily have pathological significance. In some cases, however, withdrawal and isolation signal a deep malaise: the tendency to isolation and loss of contact with the outside world are, in fact, manifestations that characterize particular conditions, such What depression, schizophrenia, social phobia, autism spectrum disorders, etc. In psychopathology, isolation is a symptom Its determination involves both aspects of a "structural" nature (such as, for example, living alone and the scarcity of social relationships), and a "functional" nature (such as the lack of emotional support).

Psychological effects of social isolation.

Let's look at some facts and discoveries that show the consequences of social isolation at the mental level in different contexts:

Developmental disorders

Occasionally it is possible to obtain information about human infants that have been raised by animals and raised without any contact with other human beings. These people often have severe symptoms of developmental disorders that are irreversible. Of course, it is never possible to tell in such cases whether the delay is not eventually due to some defects. prior to birth, and this is not the reason, rather than the consequence, of the abandonment by society human.

Hallucinations

During periods of deprivation of social contacts, people are often very available to new experiences and influences, and vibrant dreams and images can be experienced and sometimes hallucinations At least some of the "visions" and "appearances" reported by people living in a state of isolation extreme social behavior due to religious principles, such as hermits and monks, may also be due to these hallucinations

Influence

Another consequence of social isolation is increased influenceability. Isolation was a part of the "brainwashing" procedures used to influence prisoners' attitudes Americans during the Korean War, and shorter periods of isolation were used for therapeutic purposes. For example, convincing people to quit smoking. These methods are based on the fact that communications during and after social isolation have a much greater impact.

Psychopathological symptoms

A recent review published by The Lancet on the psychological impact of quarantine for Covid-19 calls the attention to the significant psychological reactions induced by social isolation: since the increase in level of psychological distress, until the appearance of feelings of fear, disorientation, anger, emotional distress, and resignation.

In some cases, the development of true psychopathological conditions is also observed, characterized mainly by symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

Studies show the presence of two categories that present a special risk of developing psychological sequelae important: health professionals (who experience the double stress of 'dangerous' work and home quarantine) and patients psychiatric. In general, all subjects with a history of mental frailty seem to be particularly exposed.

Social isolation in the elderly.

Purely social factors such as the quantity and quality of relationships, loneliness and social isolation, the decrease in social life, have a very strong impact on the life of the elderly person. social skills and the distancing of them. Indeed, very often a progressive withdrawal from social activities is observed in the elderly. This situation of isolation and "relational poverty" increases the risk of frailty and the path to non-self-sufficiency.

The social isolation of the elderly is related to a number of problems of middle age and old age. It was found that socially isolated people have a increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, dementia, and premature death.

It is important to bear in mind that the risk factors associated with social isolation are multiple and can be classified into several categories:

  • Individuals: being 75 years or older, having health problems, living alone and having children who live in another city.
  • Relationships: having few contacts or conflicting relationships with family or friends.
  • Community: living in socially disadvantaged areas with high levels of crime and limited access to services, attractions and public transportation.
  • Social: experiences of marginalization, discrimination and lack of social cohesion.

What is emotional isolation.

Emotional isolation, or emotional isolation, It is a phenomenon known for years and that initially was limited only to people over 50 years old, to often widowed or single, who didn't even have a close friend to trust with their emotions, their fears, their wishes... Unfortunately, this scenario has spread over the years (or maybe it already was), including even much younger people and all social extractions, and the curious - fundamental - aspect. is that emotional isolation can occur even when there is no real social isolation. In other words, you can even be married, have a best friend always present, many friends, co-workers and neighbors ready to reach out, etc. but feeling without being listened to and separated from the world.

More precisely, we then speak of emotional or affective deprivation, a feeling related to the fact that in relationships and in people's lives always something is missing, that others do not express enough affection, warmth, attention or deep emotions towards they. In particular, a feeling of emotional deprivation can be experienced in three aspects, which can be present simultaneously or individually:

  • Lack of care. In this case, the person feels that they have no one to hold them and have a deep interest in them or communicate specific affection through physical contact or a hug.
  • Lack of empathy. Here the person experiences the feeling that no one is really listening to her or trying to fully understand her personality and her feelings.
  • Lack of protection. This condition causes in the person the feeling that no one protects and guides them.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Consequences of social isolation, we recommend that you enter our category of Social psychology.

Bibliography

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  • Cavazza, G., Malvi, C. (et al.) (2014). La fragilità degli anziani. Strategie, progetti, strumenti per invecchiare bene. Santarcangelo di Romagna: Maggioli Editore.
  • Forgas, J. P. (2002). Interpersonal behavior. The psychology of social interaction. Rome: Armando Editore.
  • Francesconi C. (2021). La trappola della Deprivazione Emotiva. Recovered from: https://www.chiarafrancesconi.it/letture/schema-therapy/60-schema-deprivazione-emotiva.html
  • UniSR (2020). Le reazioni psicologiche indotte dall’isolaciones sociale. Recovered from: https://www.unisr.it/news/2020/3/le-reazioni-psicologiche-indotte-da-isolamento-sociale
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