The effects of social isolation on well-being and life satisfaction during pandemic

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic placed many locations under ‘stay at home” orders and adults simultaneously underwent a form of social isolation that is unprecedented in the modern world. Perceived social isolation can have a significant effect on health and well-being. Further, one can live with others and still experience perceived social isolation. However, there is limited research on psychological well-being during a pandemic. In addition, much of the research is limited to older adult samples. This study examined the effects of perceived social isolation in adults across the age span. Specifically, this study documented the prevalence of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the various factors that contribute to individuals of all ages feeling more or less isolated while they are required to maintain physical distancing for an extended period of time. Survey data was collected from 309 adults who ranged in age from 18 to 84. The measure consisted of a 42 item survey from the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, Measures of Social Isolation (Zavaleta et al., 2017), and items specifically about the pandemic and demographics. Items included both Likert scale items and open-ended questions. A “snowball” data collection process was used to build the sample. While the entire sample reported at least some perceived social isolation, young adults reported the highest levels of isolation, χ2(2) = 27.36, p < 0.001. Perceived social isolation was associated with poor life satisfaction across all domains, as well as work-related stress, and lower trust of institutions. Higher levels of substance use as a coping strategy was also related to higher perceived social isolation. Respondents reporting higher levels of subjective personal risk for COVID-19 also reported higher perceived social isolation. The experience of perceived social isolation has significant negative consequences related to psychological well-being.

COVID-19 lockdown and lifestyles: A narrative review

“…This study found that younger adults (aged 18-29 years) reported higher self-isolation than older groups. Those feeling socially isolated were also less satisfied with their food habits, work, and housing 215 . Prolonged social media use has had a deleterious effect on the overall social well being of individuals as reported by studies in Saudi Arabia 212 and Italy 216 .…”

The Influence of COVID-19 on the Well-Being of People: Big Data Methods for Capturing the Well-Being of Working Adults and Protective Factors Nationwide

“…When people cannot get rested and recover from work, they are more likely to feel depressed and emotionally exhausted (Dunford et al, 2012;Bliese et al, 2017). When people stay at home for a long time, they are also likely to generate negative emotions and experience "cabin fever" (Clair et al, 2021). From a cognitive perspective, people make a large number of decisions every day.…”

Should masks be worn outdoors?

“…Therefore, focusing energy on preventing the vast majority of infections that occur indoors, 2 15 while allowing the outdoors to be a place where people's energy is recharged through fresh air, physical activity, and social connection, would pay great dividends from a public health perspective. 24 Equity concerns are also vital, because people who have access to back gardens or can afford private transport to less population dense areas can enjoy the outdoors unmasked. In contrast, many others without such privileges or resources cannot enjoy fresh air or exercise unmasked in settings where mask use is universally mandated outdoors.…”

“…It might also result in some people gathering indoors or refraining from exercise, a crucial component of mental and physical health. Therefore, focusing energy on preventing the vast majority of infections that occur indoors,215 while allowing the outdoors to be a place where people’s energy is recharged through fresh air, physical activity, and social connection, would pay great dividends from a public health perspective 24…”