Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on the Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health

Abstract

Incorporating both sociology and psychology, this research studies the impacts of social isolation and its presence in the affected groups. This study also explains the social structures that comprise vulnerable groups, in addition to the variables that interact in affecting the state of mental health of individuals. Using a cross-sectional design, this integrated research collected both qualitative and quantitative data from 312 adults residing in three urban and three semi-urban regions, from different social classes. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews pertaining to social isolation, social anxiety, and dynamic mental health. The descriptive analysis of the structured questionnaires and the thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that the social isolation rate was significant and was the highest in urban settings, with 61.5%. 52.6% of the respondents were women, while 49.4% belonged to the middle socioeconomic groups. The study also revealed that social and urban isolation were the main reasons for increased stress. It was concluded that social isolation, urban living, and structural limitations that disable individuals from social interactions play a significant role in the mental health of individuals. The findings also suggested that social media was inadequate and was not a replacement for social interactions. Hence, the need for an integrated goal of social interventions and mental health support was required.