The Association Between Social Isolation and Health: An Analysis of Parent–Adolescent Dyads from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study

Abstract

We examined the relationship between social isolation and health among parents and their adolescent children. Data came from the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study (FLASHE), a cross-sectional internet study from the National Cancer Institute. Parents and their adolescent children (ages 12-17) completed surveys about demographics, physical activity, and diet; analyses include all dyads in which at least one member provided information for any of the analyzed variables (N = 1851). Actor Partner Interdependence Models in Mplus with demographic covariates tested whether parent and adolescent perceived social isolation (2 items from the UCLA Loneliness Scale) were associated with each person's selfreported health. Most dyads included a mother (38% mother-daughter, 36% mother-son). Most parents were non-Hispanic White (69%), married/partnered (77%), and reported household income below $100,000 (79%). Both social isolation and self-reported health were significantly correlated between parents and their adolescent children (Pearson correlation = .38 for isolation, .32 for health). There were negative associations between parent isolation and parent health, adolescent isolation and adolescent health, and parent isolation and adolescent health (all ps < .05), but no association between adolescent isolation and parent health. The finding that parents' social isolation was linked to lower self-reported health not only for themselves but also for their adolescent children highlights the importance of addressing social isolation in clinical social work practice. Family interventions, or interventions to reduce adults' negative social cognitions or promote social connections, may improve health for both adults and their adolescent children.

Longitudinal Weight Gain and Related Risk Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adults in the US

“…We also report a trend in decreasing weekly energy expenditure along with an increase in body weight during the peak-lockdown. With people staying indoors (in some cities and states), the closures of many local parks and recreation areas, and cancellations of gyms and organized sports activities, these findings are not surprising and supported by other studies [ 35 , 36 ]. Moreover, increasing PA can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods as well as mood [ 37 ].…”

A tale of two pandemics: How will COVID-19 and global trends in physical inactivity and sedentary behavior affect one another?

“…The influence of social isolation and unhealthy lifestyle choices within a family unit has also been studied. Thompson et al 22 found a significant correlation between social isolation and an unhealthier lifestyle in parents with adolescent children, which also negatively influenced lifestyle behaviors of their adolescent children. Robins et al 23 found higher levels of household PA to be associated with lower levels of social isolation in communitydwelling older adults.…”

Exposure to Natural Environment, Social Isolation and Loneliness

“…The present article considers the results of previous academic studies to discuss the concepts of social isolation and loneliness, both as distinct and related aspects with multiple effects on physical and mental health. The term social isolation is often used to reflect objective structural factors, the level and frequency of one's social interactions (e.g., living alone), whereas the term loneliness is used to reflect subjective perceptions (Hwang et al, 2020;Thompson et al, 2020). Current studies typically examine overall social isolation (social isolation from family members, social isolation from friends, living alone, and having limited social participation) (Taylor, 2020).…”

“…There is an urgent need to develop and implement more appropriate programms and interventions for prevention or treatment of the negative physical and psychological effects of the pandemic. Family-level interventions may prove efective for improving health and wellbeing for multiple members of a household (Thompson et al, 2020). In clinical, counselling and psychotherapeutical practice, relaxation, breathing and creative meditation centered on nature helps in activating coping mechanisms (Raban-Motounu, 2019;Vitalia, 2019).…”