Date Presented 04/03/2025
This study examines the effects of social isolation on mental health and time management among South Korean university students. Findings highlight significant mental health risks associated with social isolation.
Primary Author and Speaker: Jiwon Shin
Additional Authors and Speakers: Hyun Yang, Muwon Lee, Hae Yean Park
PURPOSE: This study examines the impact of social isolation and loneliness on mental health and time management among university students of South Korea. Given the rising prevalence of isolation among young adults, this research aims to contribute to the understanding of how social relationships influence these outcomes, with relevance to occupational therapy interventions.
METHOD: Out of 314 initial responses, 125 valid responses were analyzed after excluding incomplete data. The survey included validated scales for loneliness and social isolation (LSIS), mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia), and time management abilities. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 to examine relationships between variables and assess the influence of isolation on mental health and time management.
RESULTS: Findings indicated significant positive correlations between social isolation and mental health issues, including depression (β = 0.933, p < .001), anxiety (β = 0.787, p < .001), and stress (β = 0.880, p < .001). Social isolation also negatively affected self-esteem and time management abilities (β = -1.720, p < .001). Regression analyses showed that 47.9% of the variance in stress levels and 25.0% in time management were explained by social isolation and subjective health factors.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the detrimental effects of social isolation on university students’ mental health and time management, underlining the importance of targeted interventions to foster social support and community engagement. Occupational therapy practitioners can play a key role in addressing these challenges by designing programs that enhance social participation and support time management skills among isolated students.
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