Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications

World Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 23(3), P. 312 - 332

Published: Sept. 16, 2024

Rising concerns about social isolation and loneliness globally have highlighted the need for a greater understanding of their mental physical health implications. Robust evidence documents connection factors as independent predictors health, with some strongest on mortality. Although most data are observational, points to directionality effects, plausible pathways, in cases causal link between later outcomes. Societal trends across several indicators reveal increasing rates those who lack connection, significant portion population reporting loneliness. The scientific study has substantially extended over past two decades, particularly since 2020; however, its relevance mortality remains underappreciated by public. Despite breadth evidence, challenges remain, including common language reconcile diverse relevant terms disciplines, consistent multi‐factorial measurement assess risk, effective solutions prevent mitigate risk. urgency future is underscored potentially longer‐term consequences COVID‐19 pandemic, role digital technologies societal shifts, that could contribute further declines social, health. To reverse these meet challenges, recommendations offered more comprehensively address gaps our understanding, foster

Language: Английский

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Addressing loneliness and social isolation in 52 countries: a scoping review of National policies

BMC Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(1)

Published: May 1, 2024

Abstract Background Even prior to the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, there was ample evidence that loneliness and social isolation negatively impacted physical mental health, employability, are a financial burden on state. In response, has been significant policy-level attention tackling loneliness. The objective this scoping review conduct policy landscape analysis across 52 countries UN European country groups. Our sought highlight commonalities differences between different national approaches manage loneliness, with goal provide actionable recommendations for consideration policymakers wishing develop, expand or existing policies. Methods We searched governmental websites using Google search engine publicly available documents related isolation. Seventy-eight were identified in total, from which 23 retained. Exclusion based predetermined criteria. A structured content approach used capture key information documents. Contextual data captured configuration matrix common unique themes. Results could show most policies describe as phenomenon addressed varying degrees domains such social, geographical, economic political. Limited found regarding funding suggested interventions. synthesised makers focusing use language, prioritisation interventions, revisiting previous campaigns, sharing best practice borders, setting out vision, evaluating need rapid sustainable scalability Conclusions study provides first overview landscape, highlighting increasing major public health societal issue. findings suggest can sustain momentum strengthen their strategies by incorporating rigorous, evidence-based intervention evaluations fostering international collaborations knowledge sharing. believe more effectively address directing funds develop implement interventions impact individual, community society.

Language: Английский

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Advancing loneliness and social isolation as global health challenges: taking three priority actions

Public Health Research & Practice, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 33(3)

Published: Sept. 1, 2023

Key points• The evidence base for loneliness and isolation must be strengthened through consistency in definitions, measurement, surveillance • We need to develop a deeper understanding of the impact chronic social identify effective interventions that can implemented widely translated into policy practice Addressing complex population health challenges such as requires adoption wholeof-systems approach Developing global support will guide efforts increase understanding, reduce stigma, foster national action combat across low-, middle-, high-income countries AbstractLoneliness have been identified critical issues aftermath coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.While there is robust scientific demonstrating on outcomes mortality, are fundamental resolve so authorities, decision makers, practitioners worldwide informed aligned with latest evidence.Three priority actions posited achieve wider more substantial isolation.They 1) strengthening base; 2) adopting whole-of-systems approach; 3) developing governments worldwide.These essential pervasive determinants health.

Language: Английский

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In‐person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness: An evidence and gap map

Campbell Systematic Reviews, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 20(2)

Published: May 20, 2024

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness can occur in all age groups, they are linked to increased mortality poorer health outcomes. There is a growing body of research indicating inconsistent findings on the effectiveness interventions aiming alleviate social loneliness. Hence need facilitate discoverability these interventions. Objectives To map available evidence effects in‐person aimed at mitigating and/or across groups settings. Search Methods The following databases were searched from inception up 17 February 2022 with no language restrictions: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, EBM Reviews—Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL EBSCO, EBSCO (all except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, ProQuest databases), ERIC, Web Science, Korean Citation Index, Russian Science SciELO Clarivate, Elsevier Scopus. Selection Criteria Titles, abstracts, full texts potentially eligible articles identified screened independently by two reviewers for inclusion outlined eligibility criteria. Data Collection Analysis We developed pilot tested data extraction code set Eppi‐Reviewer. was individually extracted coded. used AMSTAR2 tool assess quality reviews. However, primary studies not assessed. Main Results A total 513 (421 92 systematic reviews) included this gap which assessed reduce Most (68%) reviews classified as critically low quality, while less than 5% high or moderate quality. looked interpersonal delivery community‐based interventions, especially changing cognition led professional group activities, respectively. Loneliness, wellbeing, depression/anxiety most conducted high‐income countries, concentrated United States, Kingdom, Australia, none low‐income countries. Major gaps societal level that address policies community structures, Less process indicators implementation Similar patterns found studies. All represented but more focused older adults (≥60 years, 63%) compared young people (≤24 34%). Two thirds described how at‐risk populations even fewer differences effect equity factors experiencing inequities. Authors’ Conclusions public concerns. This shows evidence, time search, reducing ages Despite large research, much it published recent unevenly distributed geographically types guide funders researchers consider areas lacking future priorities.

Language: Английский

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Accompaniment of isolated people by volunteers from the neighborhood (ACOMPANYEM). A community trial with a nested qualitative study

Gaceta Sanitaria, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 39, P. 102442 - 102442

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Social prescription targets people with social isolation or unwanted loneliness and offers them community activities to improve their emotional well-being. Disabled homebound cannot access social-health assets. Neighborhood volunteers may accompany at home walk outdoors. Community well-being referent enhance these interactions, conducting counseling management groups for volunteers. To evaluate the effectiveness of intervention accompaniment on in isolation, well-being, quality life. A non-randomized trial a qualitative nested study loneliness. Detection by driving group, made up neighborhood organizations health team, an opportunistic way. Implementation multi-level volunteer-isolated intervention. In cases where we detect architectural barriers, will provide technical aids (portable stairlifts).

Language: Английский

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Loneliness trajectories and predictors in Spain: Results from the Spanish longitudinal study on aging and health (Edad con Salud)

Journal of Affective Disorders, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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PROTOCOL: In‐person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness: An evidence and gap map

Campbell Systematic Reviews, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 19(3)

Published: June 22, 2023

This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: EGM aims to map available on effects of in-person interventions reduce social isolation and/or loneliness across all age groups in settings.

Language: Английский

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Perceived quality of peer relationships and position in peer network from late childhood to early adolescence: A three-wave longitudinal study with cross-lagged panel model

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 41(9), P. 2740 - 2765

Published: May 17, 2024

Objective: The main aim of this study was to investigate the mutual relationship between perceptions peer quality and position in positive negative networks among young people from late childhood early adolescence. Method: A cross-lagged panel model three waves data conducted using a large representative sample Polish students third grade sixth ( N = 4 673). Results: results proved reciprocal (Like) (DisLike) perceived relationships (PPI). effect found on is line with existing state knowledge. Since previous research has yielded divergent results, demonstration prospective impact network fills an important cognitive gap. also revealed following: (1) first (W1→W2) second period (W2→W3) strength effects its (Like→PPI DisLike→PPI), (PPI→Like PPI→DisLike), were not statistically significantly different; (2) size coefficients ranged small medium; (3) all constructs showed greater stability than first; (4) both periods PPI lower sociometric indicators. Conclusion: This confirms presence self-reinforcing loop: low networks→poor relations→decrease networks. findings are discussed relation evolutionary theory loneliness (ETL), which assumes potentially active role perception forming network. Practical implications discussed.

Language: Английский

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