Analysis of the Current Situation and Influencing Factors of Social Isolation Among the Elderly in the Community

Objective: To investigate the current situation of social isolation among the elderly in the community, and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods: A total of 265 elderly people were selected to conduct the survey using the general information questionnaire and the Chinese version of the social isolation scale for the elderly. Results: The social isolation score of the elderly was (20.15 ± 0.23). Factors such as age, education level, economic status, and social participation ability influenced the social isolation score (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The social isolation of the elderly is more serious, and the social isolation can be alleviated by improving the level of education and the economic situation and strengthening social participation.

The Relationship Between Social Isolation and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults in the Community

Objective:To investigate the psychological well-being of the elderly in Baoding City,Hebei Province,and analyze its influencing factors,with a focus on exploring the relationship between social isolation and psychological well-being.This study aims to provide a reference for effective interventions that promote the physical and mental health of elderly individuals in the community.Methods:A total of 265 elderly individuals from six communities in Baoding City,Hebei Province were surveyed between November 2023 and March 2024 using the general information questionnaire,the Social Isolation Scale for the Elderly,and the Comprehensive Happiness Questionnaire.Results:The total score of the Social Isolation Scale for the elderly in the community was(14.15±3.73)points,indicating a moderate level of social isolation.The average score of P50 on the Psychological Well-being Scale was 4.88,suggesting that the psychological well-being of the elderly in the community was moderate to high.Multivariate regression analysis showed that the level of social isolation significantly influenced the psychological well-being of the elderly(P<0.05),with social isolation negatively correlated with psychological well-being.Conclusion:Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the social isolation of elderly individuals in the community and develop targeted interventions to improve their psychological well-being and quality of life.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the social isolation scale with a sample of community-dwelling older adults

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling older adults(≥65 years).The survey comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire,SIS,Geriatric Depression Scale-4(GDS-4),6-item Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS-6),a loneliness self-assessment question,and Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).Construct validity(confirmatory factor analysis)and convergent validity were analyzed,and ISI internal reliability(composite reliability),external reliability(test-retest,intraclass correlation coefficient)and inter-rater reliability(Cohen’s kappa coefficient)were evaluated.Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed a two-factor model with an excellent index of fit.The SIS showed significant correlations with LSNS-6(rs=0.47),SWLS(rs=0.26),the loneliness self-assessment question(rs=0.35),and GDS-4(rs=−0.16).SIS composite reliability was good(0.708).The inter-class correlation coefficient varied from 0.84 to 0.98.The Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranged from 0.936 to 1.Conclusions SIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social isolation among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Healthcare professionals,particularly nurses working in community settings,can use SIS to assess social isolation in older adults to design,implement,and evaluate interventions.

Moderating Mechanism in the Relationship between Social Isolation and Mental Health among College Students during High-Risk Period of COVID-19 Transmission in Hubei, China

This study explored the effect of perceived social isolation on the mental health of college students during the high-risk period of COVID-19 transmission in Hubei,China and the role of social support from online friends in alleviating this effect.The questionnaire responses of 213 college students from four universities in Hubei were included.Measurement and structural models were constructed using structural equation modeling.The findings revealed that perceived social isolation while under home quarantine was a negative predictor of the mental health of college students in Hubei.Low social support from online friends may lead to a relatively strong relationship between perceived social isolation and mental health in these college students,whereas high social support from online friends may lead to a relatively weak relationship between perceived social isolation and mental health.

Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Their Close Relatives: A Qualitative Study

Background: Proximity between older patients and their close relatives is essential during hospitalisation. During the first wave of the pandemic, the Danish Patient Safety Authority restricted no hospital visitors. Aim: To explore how older patients with COVID-19 and their close relatives experienced physical separation during hospitalization. Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed. Findings: Six interviews were conducted: three patients with a mean age of 81 years and three close relatives—two daughters and one spouse. The patients felt boredom, loneliness, and a sense of imprisonment, yet they felt safe and satisfied. Isolation was known beforehand from the media. Close relatives emphasised that information, involvement, and collaboration with hospital staff were crucial. Conclusion: Although older patients with COVID-19 and their close relatives widely accept their situation during hospitalization, they experience negative consequences from social isolation.

Impact of social isolation and resident intruder stress on aggressive behavior in the male rat

Stress studies frequently utilize physical stressors to establish animal models of stress. In the majority of cases, these models are not consistent with human circumstances. The present study simulated a social isolation plus resident intruder stress model in the rat. The rats were subjected to daily social isolation and resident intruder stress for 2 weeks. Behaviors were then tested. Rats subjected to social stress exhibited different aggressive behavior styles; some rats had greater scores on composite aggression behaviors, as well as locomotor and exploratory activity, but lower scores on latency than others. The high-aggressive group exhibited predominantly anger-out, while the low-aggressive group exhibited anger-in. Results suggest that social isolation plus resident intruder may serve as an appropriate model for anger-in and anger-out emotion modeling in the rat.

Social isolation and health-promoting behaviors among older adults living with different health statuses:A cross-sectional study

Objectives:To describe the characteristics and relationships of social isolation and health promoting behaviors of Chinese older adults with different health statuses.Methods:Totally 485 older adults were recruited.They were divided into three groups based on their health status:healthy group(n=72),group with one disease(n=183)and group with multimorbidity(n=230).Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II were used to measure their social isolation and health-promoting behaviors,respectively.Results:Among the aged with one disease or multimorbidity,30.6%(56/183)and 31.7%(73/230)were socially isolated,respectively,based on the score of the Lubben Social Network Scale-6.The three groups differed significantly in health-promoting behaviors and scores on several subscales.The group with multimorbidity exhibited more social isolation and fewer health-promoting behaviors than other groups.Social isolation was among the factors adversely affecting health-promoting behaviors in older adults.Conclusions:Health care providers should help older adults with multimorbidity preserve the remaining abilities to improve health-promoting behaviors.Meanwhile,it is important to support healthy older adults to increase self-responsibility to achieve healthy aging.

Adolescent social isolation influences cognitive function in adult rats

Adolescence is a critical period for neurodevelopment. Evidence from animal studies suggests that isolated rearing can exert negative effects on behavioral and brain development. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adolescent social isolation on latent inhibition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the forebrain of adult rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into adolescent isolation （isolated housing, 38-51 days of age） and social groups. Latent inhibition was tested at adulthood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were measured in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adolescent social isolation impaired latent inhibition and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of young adult rats. These data suggest that adolescent social isolation has a profound effect on cognitive function and neurotrophin levels in adult rats and may be used as an animal model of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Association between COVID-19 and anxiety during social isolation:A systematic review

BACKGROUND The uncertainties about coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),the change in routine,lifestyles and the reduction of physical contact can cause stress,anxiety,emotional overload,poor sleep and even physical health complications.AIM To evaluate the scientific publications available on the relationship between COVID-19 and anxiety experienced in the general population,during the period of social isolation,adopted by governmental organizations and public health policymakers as a measure to contain the spread of cases.METHODS A literature search was performed systematically exploring the PubMed and Medline databases using the following terms classified as MeSH descriptors:(“anxiety”AND“pandemic”AND“COVID-19”).For the search,in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde–BVS,Science.gov,Web of Science and National Library plat forms, the following keywords were used: ("anxiety" AND "coronavirus" AND"social isolation"). Thirty-seven peer-reviewed articles were found. PRISMA andthe Downs & Black checklist were used for qualitative evaluation.RESULTSAfter applying the inclusion criteria, seven (n = 7) original scientific articles wereselected. The collated evidence demonstrated increased levels of symptoms ofanxiety and depression during the period of social isolation. The populationbetween 21 to 40 years was most affected. The risk of severe depression was twiceas high at the epicenter of the pandemic. Sleep quality was significantly impaired.Questions about politics, religion, and consumption of products from China werefound to generate fear and anticipate probable changes in the pattern of postpandemicconsumption. Social isolation exacerbated feelings of extreme hopelessness,sadness, loneliness and suicidal ideation.CONCLUSIONWe conclude that there is a potential relationship between social isolation duringthe COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of anxiety. It is important to note that thedirect and indirect costs of not identifying the detrimental effects of thisphenomenon and neglecting strategies for intervention could lead to a significantpsychological burden on society in several aspects after social isolation.

Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflecting on Lockdowns and Social Isolations

This brief study explores the diverse and long-term mental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on societies worldwide. Based on the recent existing literature, six primary categories of mental effects are identified to verify how people are affected by reoccurring lockdowns and social isolations. The study urges holistic research in this field, suggesting that researchers must not neglect the diversity of mental health impacts and context-specific factors. While long-term mental and psychological impacts are mostly hidden for now, we anticipate them to fuel other health issues already experienced by the vulnerable groups, healthcare units, and those fighting the pandemic at the front line. The paper aims to highlight primary mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic due to reoccurring lockdowns and social isolations. This is an opinion paper reflecting on ongoing research related to mental health issues of the ongoing pandemic, some of that could be looked at through case study research or extended research and comparative studies. This brief study suggests further case study-based analysis to evaluate the impacts of lockdowns and social isolations on societal wellbeing and mental health. Globally, the ongoing pandemic has made public health unstable and is expected to continue with its long-term consequences on societies. Research studies should help make governments and policymakers more aware of such long-term consequences to ensure they can respond more effectively to foreseeing public health issues.

Social Isolation in Male Rats During Adolescence Inhibits the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in the Prefrontal Cortex and Enhances Anxiety and Cocaine-Induced Plasticity in Adulthood

In adult animals,it is well established that stress has a proactive effect on psychostimulant responses.However,whether only a short period of stress during adolescence can also affect cocaine responses later in life and what mechanisms are involved are unknown.Here,we showed that 5 days of social isolation during rat adolescence had a long-term impact on anxiety-like behaviors,cocaine-induced conditioned place preference,and the expression of sensitization during adulthood.At the molecular level,social isolation decreased the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the prefrontal cortex(PFC).Furthermore,after the expression of cocaine sensitization,isolated rats showed an increase in this pathway in the nucleus accumbens.Together,these findings suggest that,adolescent social isolation by altering the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the developing PFC might increase the cocaine responses during adulthood,introducing this pathway as a novel neuroadaptation in the cortical-accumbens connection that may mediate a stress-induced increase in vulnerability to drugs.

Hikikomori, a Phenomenon of Social Withdrawal and Isolation in Young Adults Marked by an Anomic Response to Coping Difficulties: A Qualitative Study Exploring Individual Experiences from First- and Second-Person Perspectives

Hikikomori is a recent phenomenon among young adults in which they isolate themselves from social contacts and responsibility for more than 6 months. This problem has assumed epidemic proportions in Japan and has been widely discussed across disciplines. Previous studies have associated hikikomori with a maladaptation to structural change, an emergent mental problem that needs new diagnosis, or an under-diagnosed schizophrenic disorder. Most previous work has adopted a clinical perspective, and there have been no qualitative studies exploring the individual feelings of people suffering from the syndrome. We adopted a qualitative method using a grounded theory approach. Data collection and analysis took place between September 2006 and August 2008. Theoretical sampling included eight informants from snowball sampling and an online observation consisting of 160 online participants. Analysis focused on informants’ first- and second-person experiences of hikikomori. Data analysis revealed one overriding theme: coping difficulties consisting of the two categories stasis and expression. As a result of conflicting demands and reduced autonomy, respondents experienced stasis, which prevented them from moving forward;“hiding” or “avoiding” heightened the expression of their behaviors. This is the first study to explore the in-depth experience of individuals suffering from hikikomori syndrome in a non-clinical setting. We argue that hikikomoriis not a result of asocial behavior, but rather an anomic response to a situation that informants felt powerless to change and from which they could see no way out. We also observed that feelings of hopelessness and relationship fatigue might be overcome by introducing a relaxed social environment that people can control during rehabilitation.

Influence of quarantine during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic on physical and psychosocial aspects:perceptions of 214 Brazilian athletes

Background:Social distancing may affect athletes,training,causing negative effects on mental and physical health.Objective:This study therefore aimed to characterize the perception of Brazilian athletes about their physical and psychosocial aspects,sleep quality and coping strategies during the quarantine of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study with online survey,performed with Brazilian athletes(amateur and professional)over 18 years.The main outcomes measures assessed were physical and psychosocial aspects,sleep quality and coping strategies.Results:A total of 214 athletes were included.The average weekly hours of training during the quarantine was 4.71±3.71 h,of which 64.5%athletes(138/214)were oriented by medical staff during training.For 52.8%(113/214)of athletes,training intensity during the quarantine was different/very different from the intensity before the quarantine.79.4%athletes(170/214)reported moderate to extreme difficulties in keeping the same level of training during the quarantine.77.1%athletes(165/214)had moderate to extreme anxiety and each of the athletes had concern about his or her athletic career future,including return to the sport.72.9%athletes(156/214)reported change in sleep schedule during the quarantine period.Conclusion:The quarantine period during COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the athlete^perception about training routine,since athletes reported reduction in training hours and training intensity.Overall,the athletes reported that they were moderately to extremely anxious.They also had concerns about their career in the future,as well as concerns regarding return to sport.

Potential role of hippocampal neurogenesis in spinal cord injury induced post-trauma depression

It has been reported both in clinic and rodent models that beyond spinal cord injury directly induced symptoms, such as paralysis, neuropathic pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and loss of sexual function, there are a variety of secondary complications, including memory loss, cognitive decline, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. The largescale longitudinal population-based studies indicate that post-trauma depression is highly prevalent in spinal cord injury patients. Yet, few basic studies have been conducted to address the potential molecular mechanisms. One of possible factors underlying the depression is the reduction of adult hippocampal neurogenesis which may come from less physical activity, social isolation, chronic pain, and elevated neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury. However, there is no clear consensus yet. In this review, we will first summarize the alteration of hippocampal neurogenesis post-spinal cord injury. Then, we will discuss possible mechanisms underlie this important spinal cord injury consequence. Finally, we will outline the potential therapeutic options aimed at enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis to ameliorate depression.

Developing a nomogram for predicting the depression of senior citizens living alone while focusing on perceived social support

BACKGROUND Although the number of senior citizens living alone is increasing,only a few studies have identified factors related to the depression characteristics of senior citizens living alone by using epidemiological survey data that can represent a population group.AIM To evaluate prediction performance by building models for predicting the depression of senior citizens living alone that included subjective social isolation and perceived social support as well as personal characteristics such as age and drinking.METHODS This study analyzed 1558 senior citizens(695 males and 863 females)who were 60 years or older and completed an epidemiological survey representing the South Korean population.Depression,an outcome variable,was measured using the short form of the Korean version CES-D(short form of CES-D).RESULTS The prevalence of depression among the senior citizens living alone was 7.7%.The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the experience of suicidal urge over the past year,subjective satisfaction with help from neighbors,subjective loneliness,age,and self-esteem were significantly related to the depression of senior citizens living alone(P<0.05).The results of 10-fold cross validation showed that the area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.96,and the F1 score of it was 0.97.CONCLUSION It is necessary to strengthen the social network of senior citizens living alone with friends and neighbors based on the results of this study to protect them from depression.

Stress perceptions of nurses serving in home healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic:A qualitative research

Objective:To investigate the stress perceptions of nurses serving in home healthcare services during COVID-19.Methods:This study was qualitative research with a phenomenological design.Data were collected and recorded through in-depth interviews with 6 nurses working in MuşState Hospital,Home Healthcare Services Unit using a form consisting of 12 questions on an online platform between May 2021 and July 2021.The audio recordings were transcribed by the researcher and content analysis was performed by creating codes,categories,and themes.Results:The interviews yielded 10 categories and 59 sub-codes.These codes were addressed under the theme of"COVID-19 pandemic".Under this main theme,nurses expressed the problems they experienced in issues such as stress,support mechanisms,and family and social problems during COVID-19.They mentioned that they experienced high stress in this process,as well as social isolation and negative thoughts of society about them and that they could not spare time for themselves and their families.Conclusions:Nurses working in home healthcare services frequently express negativities such as high stress,isolation from society,and increased workload.Therefore,actions should be taken to raise awareness of society on these issues,increase the number of personnel,conduct more research,and share the results with the public.

Socio-Psychological Factors of Rising Trend of Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Workforce: Evidence from Himalayan Range

Apart from socio-economic disparities,indigenous people of the Himalayan range in Asia face an increasing trend of suicides.The tragic suicidal events usually go unaddressed,and no strategies are presently in place to mitigate suicides in the future.This study aims to explain the prevailing causes of suicidal ideation to come up with some policy recommendations.Through a preliminary survey,we identified social stigma,social isolation,lack of healthcare facilities,and domestic violence as the potential reasons for suicidal ideation.We identified individuals with suicide ideation for further data collection to test the relationships between the identified variables and suicidal ideation.A quantitative,explanatory and cross-sectional design was used to test the hypotheses.Inferential statistics were applied to the data containing 314 responses,and the results revealed that all the predictive variables influence the formation of suicidal ideation.The study uncovered some new dimensions of social stigma and social isolation that are common among the indigenous people.The results also indicate that some domestic violence is socially acceptable and considered a normal familial matter.Thefindings have theoretical and practical implications.We have identified new dimensions of social stigma,social isolation,and domestic violence that are new additions to the existing bank of literature.It provides insights to encourage public authorities,healthcare providers,and NGO managers to play their role in the right direction to mitigate the problem.This study opens further venues for researchers to investigate the complex issue of suicide more deeply.

Media Influence Over the Transformation of Stigma Toward Depression in Japan

in Japan, the number of depression patients has markedly increased over the last 10 years, and depression is now a major social concern. Moreover, there are concerns that patients with depression are not always seeking the treatment they need, in part due to the stigma associated with the illness. Despite of increasing public awareness of depression, the stigma has not lessened, but has changed in form. Previous studies report that depression which was once viewed as a special psychiatric illness is now viewed as a ＂common＂ mental illness. The author, too, believes that the nature of the stigmatization has changed in recent years to become more complex and ultimately continues to present a barrier to treatment for people with depression. This study aims to explore how the stigmatization has changed by examining one specific aspect in society that may have contributed to this change, namely, the media＇s portrayal of depression. The author presents and discusses clear examples of how the Japanese media＇s portrayals of depression have changed, particularly over the last 20 to 30 years, and discusses how media influence could have contributed to the shifts in stigmatization, with reference to labeling theory and growing social isolation.

明显的缺失:美育在美国

美育立足于艺术正趋于消亡的一片土地上,这是因为,尽管《有教无类法案》(No Child Left Behind Act)将艺术命名为核心科目,《让每个学生成功法案》(Every Student Succeeds Act)认为其对高质量的教育至关重要,但艺术项目仍被降至最低地位。由于艺术既不是考试内容,也未得到资助,于是在一个由市场经济驱动,由数学和语言艺术其次是科学与经济学推动的世界里,艺术变得脆弱不堪。越来越多的研究机构指出艺术对学生的学业、高校成就和公民参与度存在影响,在此背景下所要探讨的问题是:我们如何走到了艺术缺位的危险地步?最重要的是,在正式的教育体系中、在工作中、在现在和将来的生活中,艺术对学生有何价值?

Interactions of sex and early life social experiences at two developmental stages shape nonapeptide receptor profiles

Early life social experiences are critical to behavioral and cognitive development,and can have a tremendous influence on developing social phenotypes.Most work has focused on outcomes of experiences at a single stage of development(e.g.perinatal or post-weaning).Few studies have assessed the impact of social experience at multiple developmental stages and across sex.Oxytocin and vasopressin are profoundly important for modulating social behavior and these nonapeptide systems are highly sensitive to developmental social experience,particularly in brain areas important for social behavior.We investigated whether oxytocin receptor(OTR)and vasopressin receptor(V1aR)distributions of prairie voles(Microtus ochrogaster)change as a function of parental composition within the natal nest or social composition after weaning.We raised pups either in the presence or absence of their fathers.At weaning,offspring were housed either individually or with a same-sex sibling.We also examined whether changes in receptor distributions are sexually dimorphic because the impact of the developmental environment on the nonapeptide system could be sex-dependent.We found that differences in nonapeptide receptor expression were region-specific,sex-specific and rearing condition-specific,indicating a high level of complexity in the ways that early life experiences shape the social brain.We found many more differences in V1aR density compared to OTR density,indicating that nonapeptide receptors demonstrate differential levels of neural plasticity and sensitivity to environmental and biological variables.Our data highlight that critical factors including biological sex and multiple experiences across the developmental continuum interact in complex ways to shape the social brain.