Social isolation

Not to be confused with social distancing, emotional isolation, or recluse.
For social isolation to facilitate abuse, see isolation to facilitate abuse.

Social isolation is a state of complete or near-complete lack of contact between an individual and society. It differs from loneliness, which reflects temporary and involuntary lack of contact with other humans in the world.[1] Social isolation can be an issue for individuals of any age, though symptoms may differ by age group.[2]

Social isolation has similar characteristics in both temporary instances and for those with a historical lifelong isolation cycle. All types of social isolation can include staying home for lengthy periods of time, having no communication with family, acquaintances or friends, and/or willfully avoiding any contact with other humans when those opportunities do arise.

  1. ^ York Cornwell, Erin; Waite, Linda (2009). "Social Disconnectedness, Perceived Isolation, and Health among Older Adults". Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 50 (1): 31–48. doi:10.1177/002214650905000103. PMC 2756979. PMID 19413133.
  2. ^ Khullar B (2016-12-22). "How Social Isolation Is Killing Us". The New York Times. Retrieved 2017-01-26.