An exploratory study of factors associated with social isolation and loneliness in a community sample

Soc Work Health Care. 2020 Aug;59(7):485-498. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1795780. Epub 2020 Aug 12.

Abstract

Individuals across a wide variety of demographies find themselves suffering from social isolation or loneliness. Both of these conditions have been associated with a variety of negative outcomes including poor physical, mental and social health. Based on data collected from a sample of 420 individuals from a community in the South Western US, this research reports on conditions associated with social isolation and loneliness. Results of regression analysis indicate sex, stress, loneliness, community health and social cohesion were statistically significantly associated with social isolation. Living alone, depression/anxiety, stress and social isolation were statistically significantly associated with loneliness. The implications of these findings for social work practice and research is discussed.

Keywords: Loneliness; Mental Health; Population Health; Social Isolation; Wellness.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Loneliness / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Capital
  • Social Isolation / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Young Adult