Mentalog
Social Isolation and Health Outcomes
Social interaction is a biological need in humans. It is as essential as eating and drinking water for survival. Without regular social interaction, people’s physical and emotional health is at risk in the short-term and long-term. Studies of people wh...
Possible Interventions
For individuals struggling with social isolation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often an effective intervention. Journaling can also help individuals sort through the emotional impact of isolation. In fact, NASA recommends journaling for their astronauts as a way to express their emotions during missions. And while it may not be the same as having face time, individuals should also try to maintain relationships online, through phone calls, or even texting to strengthen their social self. While we don’t know if screen time can fulfill our biological need for connection, at the moment, it’s better than no connection at all.From a public policy perspective, a recent article from Health Affairs suggests that public policy changes in any sector can influence the amount and quality of social interaction. As we move forward, policymakers must design creative policy solutions that safely promote social connection while also limiting community spread. Evaluations of public policies should also include social outcomes in the future to show their effects on social connectedness.
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