Social isolation and social connectedness among young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundSocial isolation and connectedness are social determinants of health that have demonstrated effects on cancer‐related outcomes. These constructs have been systematically evaluated among pediatric and older adult cancer populations. In this review, the authors evaluated the prevalence, correlates, and psychosocial implications of social isolation and connectedness among young adult (YA) cancer survivors aged 18–39 years.MethodsPeer‐reviewed articles published in English before June 2021 were identified from database searches and included articles' reference lists according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. Included articles described studies that assessed social isolation and/or connectedness among YA cancer survivors.ResultsIn total, 5094 unique records were identified; 4143 were excluded after title/abstract screening, and 907 were excluded after full‐text review. Forty‐four articles were included. Few studies used validated measures or directly assessed social isolation or connectedness. Social isolation was similarly prevalent among YAs and older cancer survivors and noncancer populations. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral risk and protective factors for social isolation were identified. Social isolation was related to worse psychological well‐being, whereas social connectedness was often, but not always, related to better psychological well‐being.ConclusionsThis growing literature underscores the relevance of social isolation and connectedness as important health determinants among YA cancer survivors. The identified risk and protective factors can identify YAs who especially may benefit from screening for social isolation. Future studies are needed that directly, reliably, and validly evaluate social isolation and connectedness to inform the development of interventions to decrease isolation and increase connectedness.

SIR+ models: accounting for interaction-dependent disease susceptibility in the planning of public health interventions

“…Adolescents who reported more social connectedness pre-COVID-19 had lower depression symptoms and higher mental health one year post COVID-19, compared to adolescents reporting lower social connectedness, suggesting that engaging with close ones and establishing a sense of community may serve as protective factors amid physical distancing 143 . A recent review suggests that social isolation is associated with worse psychological well-being, supporting the notion that interactions that maintain or support relationships with close ones may be especially useful in reducing stress, thereby reducing disease susceptibility 144 .…”

The Impact of a Structured Social Workshop on Risk Behaviors and Mood Regulation

“…Social connectedness is posited to serve as a buffer against psychological distress, enhancing individuals' ability to regulate their emotions and reduce engagement in risktaking behaviors. This protective role is supported by evidence indicating that strong social ties can mitigate the impact of stressors on mental health and promote resilience (Fox, 2023;Ransome, 2023).…”

“…Lim (2023) reported that social connectedness significantly enhances health outcomes in older adults, emphasizing its role in emotional well-being (Lim, 2023). Moreover, the detrimental effects of social isolation on mood and mental health further affirm the critical role of social connectedness in psychological functioning (Fox, 2023).…”

“…Given the multifaceted nature of social connectedness, risk-taking behaviors, and mood regulation, this article adopts a comprehensive approach to examining their interrelationships. By integrating findings from diverse studies, including those focused on specific populations such as young adult cancer survivors (Fox, 2023), American Indian youth (Haruyama et al, 2023), and sexually active adolescents (Stone et al, 2014), the article aims to provide a nuanced understanding of these constructs. The inclusion of perspectives from various disciplines, ranging from psychology to financial markets (Asad et al, 2021), further enriches the analysis.…”

Developmental outcomes in Italian young cancer survivors: The effect of lack of social support in physical activity practice on quality of life and mental health

“…For instance, Stam, Grootenhuis, and Last (2005) found that childhood cancer survivors had fewer friends and spent less time in relationships with peers than the comparison population. About the young adult population, a review by Fox et al (2023) found that cancer survivors who experienced social isolation were also at risk of mental health issues. Conversely, social support was positively linked to post-traumatic growth and negatively associated with anxiety, depression and psychological distress (Deegan, Brennan, Gallagher, Lambert, & Dunne, 2023).…”