Social isolation is the objective absence of social contacts: few relationships, little contact, small network. It is the objective data, while loneliness is the subjective feeling. A person can be socially isolated without feeling lonely (introverts, people in chosen retreat) or feel lonely despite having many contacts (emotional loneliness).
Concept origin
Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, Harris T, Stephenson D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237. doi:10.1177/1745691614568352
How it manifests
- ▸ Small social network (fewer than 3-5 people with regular contact)
- ▸ Few face-to-face interactions per week
- ▸ Feeling of having no one to call in an emergency
Therapeutic approach
Intervention combines active social network building with exploration of internal barriers (avoidance schemas, social anxiety). Community "social prescribing" programs have shown efficacy in reducing isolation in older adults.
Related concepts
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