The Neurobiology of Social Distance

Abstract

Never before have we experienced social isolation on such a massive scale as we have in response to coronavirus disease 2019 . However, we know that the social environment has a dramatic impact on our sense of life satisfaction and well-being. In times of distress, crisis, or disaster, human resilience depends on the richness and strength of social connections, as well as on active engagement in groups and communities. Over recent years, evidence emerging from various disciplines has made it abundantly clear: perceived social isolation (i.e., loneliness) may be the most potent threat to survival and longevity. We highlight the benefits of social bonds, the choreographies of bond creation and maintenance, as well as the neurocognitive basis of social isolation and its deep consequences for mental and physical health.

COVID-19: Rethinking the Lockdown Groupthink

“…156 The cost is likely far higher, as this assumes only 2 months of lockdown, and does not include the effect of loneliness on life-span (i.e., early mortality) and disease that occurs particularly to young people. [166][167][168][169][170][171][172] The last cost considered here is the effect of unemployment. It is estimated that unemployment costs 0.7 WELLBY/unemployed person/year.…”

Resilience During Uncertainty? Greater Social Connectedness During COVID-19 Lockdown is Associated with Reduced Distress and Fatigue

“…Humans are social animals and we rely on each other for our health and wellbeing (Snyder-Mackler et al, 2020) . As such, social disconnect can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health (Bzdok & Dunbar, 2020;Holt-Lunstad, 2018) . This is especially true during times of uncertainty and distress when social contact can act as a buffer against adversity and suffering.…”

COVID-19: Rethinking the Lockdown Groupthink

“…120 The cost is likely far higher, as this assumes only 2 months of lockdown, and does not include the effect of loneliness on life-span (i.e., early mortality) and disease that occurs particularly to young people. [130][131][132][133][134][135][136] The last cost considered here is the effect of unemployment. It is estimated that unemployment costs 0.7 WELLBY/unemployed person/year.…”

“…Recent literature has summarized the major effect of individual income, social network index (i.e., integration in a social network), and adverse childhood experiences on life-span, early mortality, risk of chronic diseases (including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, cancer, lung disease, Alzheimer's, substance use, depression), and suicide rates. [130][131][132][133][134][135][136] Recent financial difficulties, history of unemployment, lower life satisfaction, and history of food insecurity are associated with mortality in the United States. 131 Social isolation is one of the top 3 risk factors for death due to cardiovascular disease, increases risk of death in the next decade by 25-30%, and "risks creating cohorts of individuals who are less socially functional."…”

“…131 Social isolation is one of the top 3 risk factors for death due to cardiovascular disease, increases risk of death in the next decade by 25-30%, and "risks creating cohorts of individuals who are less socially functional." 132 Especially concerning are the effects on children during "the early years" of life, increasingly recognized as the period of greatest vulnerability to, and greatest return on investment from, preventing adverse long-term outcomes that can have lasting and profound impacts on future quality of life, education, earning potential, lifespan, and healthcare utilization. [133][134][135][136] The early years of life are a critical period when a child's brain develops from social interaction and experiences, thus providing the foundation for their entire future life potential.…”