Social isolation and mental health: Evidence from adults with serious mental illness.

Abstract

Objective: In the United States, loneliness is increasingly becoming a public health crisis. Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) report loneliness at rates much higher than the general population. In this secondary data analysis, we examine how subjective and objective social isolation influence perceptions of mental health and well-being. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, we conducted a multivariate hierarchical regression analysis to determine the unique influence both subjective and objective isolation had on perceptions of mental health and well-being in adults with SMI. Results: Rates of reported loneliness in those with SMI was consistent with the literature. Increased perceptions of loneliness were found to be a significant predictor of decreased self-report mental health rating and increased frequency of bothersome symptoms. Increased perceptions of social support were also a significant predictor in increased self-report mental health rating and frequency of bothersome symptoms. Conclusion and Implications for practice: For social workers and providers of services to individuals with SMI, it is important to understand the prevalence of loneliness in the population. It is also critical to provide those with SMI social support and inclusion interventions that aim to increase perceptions of mental well-being. Additionally, the distinction between subjective and objective social isolation provides evaluators of social support interventions a more accurate definition from which to measure. Impact and ImplicationsThis study suggests that peer support programs impact feelings of loneliness among participants, and less loneliness was related to more favorable mental health self-assessments. Additionally, mental health self-assessments were not directly impacted by peer services alone. The findings demonstrate the benefit of peer support programs and further our understanding of the programs effect on loneliness and mental health.

Disparities in severe loneliness between adults with and without a serious mental illness.

“…Social exclusion is one likely explanation for this disparity. Stigma is prevalent (Snethen et al, 2021), which partially explains the lower levels of community participation that people with SMI experience (Nagata et al, 2020) and greater social isolation (Jenkins et al, 2023). Furthermore, people with an SMI face challenges in maintaining social relationships resulting from disruptive life events, such as unemployment and divorce (Perry & Pescosolido, 2012).…”

Enhancing the Well-Being of Uber Drivers: Insights and Strategies from DiDi

“…The isolation caused by extensive periods spent alone in their vehicles can lead to mental health issues. Jenkins et al found a significant correlation between heightened feelings of loneliness and decreased self-reported mental health ratings, along with an increased frequency of bothersome symptoms among drivers [6].…”

“…They did not engage in online forums or even exchange text messages [12]. This isolation can increase the risk of mental health issues and bothersome symptoms [6]. To address this challenge, it is crucial to foster connections among drivers and enhance their sense of community, particularly for full-time drivers who spend a significant amount of time driving alone.…”

(Un)Belonging: The Production of Black Trans Loneliness

“…Academically, I've been interested in loneliness research for about 5 years after evaluating a peer-based community mental health program for those with serious mental illness. Approximately 60% of the participants reported loneliness in that study (Jenkins et al, 2022). I wanted to learn more about why, in a model designed to increase social connectedness, so many individuals were still reporting feelings of loneliness.…”