Are trajectories of social isolation from childhood to mid-adulthood associated with adult depression or suicide outcomes

Abstract

Purpose Social isolation has been shown to have negative effects on mental health outcomes though little is known about trajectories across the life course. We examined the relationship between trajectory groups and selected mental health outcomes in mid-adulthood. Methods We previously created a typology of social isolation based on onset during the life course and persistence into adulthood, using group-based trajectory analysis of longitudinal data from a New Zealand birth cohort. The typology comprises four groups: ‘never-isolated’, ‘adult-only’, ‘child-only’, and ‘persistent (child–adult) isolation’. We undertook logistic regression analyses of three mental health outcomes with trajectory group as the predictor, adjusting for sex and a range of familial and child-behavioural factors. Results Lifetime suicide attempt, and depression and suicide ideation in mid-adulthood were each associated with adult-only but not child-only social isolation. Depression in mid-adulthood was also associated with persistent child–adult social isolation. Conclusion Although our findings are associational and not causal, they indicate that interrupting persistent social isolation may help to prevent adult depression whereas halting adult social isolation may ameliorate both depression and suicide outcomes.

“And I still remember it to this day”: A qualitative exploration of retrospective memories of school-based recess

“…These results are noteworthy considering previous research suggesting substantial social isolation and exclusion in elementary school can lead to distress in adulthood [ 26 ]. Specifically, social isolation in general has been associated with adverse mental health outcomes including anxiety, elevated cortisol levels, impaired cognitive development, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and cardiovascular disease [ [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ]. Additionally, social exclusion has been linked to potential setbacks in social and emotional development [ 31 , 32 ] and potentially higher BMI in adulthood [ 26 ].…”

Social isolation from childhood to mid-adulthood: is there an association with older brain age?

“…by a lack of stimulation (in the former case) and depression (in the latter) (Cardona & Andrés, 2023). Our social isolation measures have been associated with cardiovascular disease (Caspi et al, 2006), various age-related diseases (Danese et al, 2009), and chronic inflammation (Lacey et al, 2014), while our derived trajectory groups have been related to depression and suicide (Lay-Yee et al, 2023), and retinal neuronal thickness (Barrett-Young et al, 2023). Second, we have not accounted for confounding by factors contemporaneous with adulthood.…”

“…Psychological Medicine to depression and suicide (Lay-Yee et al, 2023), and retinal neuronal thickness (Barrett-Young et al, 2023). Second, we have not accounted for confounding by factors contemporaneous with adulthood.…”

The association between urinary incontinence and suicidal ideation: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

“…Emotional disorders associated with urinary incontinence, including embarrassment, social isolation, and diminished self-esteem, were found to be significantly correlated with depression [ 18 , 19 ]. Depression, a well-established precursor to suicidal ideation, further underscores the intricate emotional challenges faced by individuals grappling with urinary incontinence [ 20 , 21 ]. Despite these implications, focused research on UI’s role in suicidal ideation within the U.S. population remains lacking.…”