On Living Alone,Social Isolation and Psychological Disorder

Abstract

Social network analysis demonstrated the relative social isolation of respondents living alone compared with matched fellows living with others. The respondents had been identified whilst presenting with non- psychotic psychiatric disorder and matched with a normal population sample. Qualitative and quantitative divergences in interpersonal processes showed that the living alone group had limited access to other people and reduced opportunity to activate useful social exchanges. Their networks were in a comparative state of non-connection with regard to adaptively filling positions of intimacy. Socio-economic patterns within the city increased or maintained social distance between living alone respondents and their social environment especially at a time of personal adversity and transition. This picture was contrasted with the intense domestic interactions in the case of patients who resided with others and the normal population controls who reported widespread regular social exchanges with their kin and friends.