Dimensions Of Social Isolation Research Articles

Bringing Emotions In: How Anger Shapes the Relationship Between Social Isolation and Populist Attitudes

In recent years, populism has attracted a lot of scholarly attention. In this article, I investigate the relationship between structural and subjective dimensions of social isolation and populist attitudes. In particular, I account for individuals’ emotional responses to social isolation that link social isolation to populist attitudes. Analyses based on original survey data show that both forms of social isolation are positively related to populist attitudes in six European countries. More importantly, mediation analyses reveal that in line with the proposed mediation argument, anger correlated both with isolation and populist attitudes. By offering a comparative test of the relationship between social isolation and populist attitudes and the mediating role of anger, I advance the understanding of how social isolation in a globalized world relates to populist attitudes. In this vein, the study underpins that emotional reactions to social changes are particularly important in understanding how these social changes affect political attitudes.

Social isolation and depression as risk factors for weight loss of 5kg or more among older Korean adults.

Given a well-known overlapping prevalence of social isolation with loneliness and depression among older adults, this study aimed to contextually investigate the relationship of these constructs with weight loss of more than 5kg in a year, with a special focus on the intersection of living alone and marital dissolution as key dimensions of isolation. The data were obtained from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, with an adult sample of those aged 65 and older (n = 5,481). The study evaluated several critical dimensions of social isolation: living alone, transition to living alone, infrequent social contact with children or friends, and infrequent social participation. These dimensions were examined individually and as a composite scale, along with loneliness and depressive symptoms, to determine their association with weight loss of 5kg or greater among older men and women. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) regression models enabled investigation of whether socially isolated men and women tended to lose 5kg or more in weight, given other confounding factors. Surprisingly, the results showed no evidence of such a trend. However, significant associations were found between weight loss and changes in living alone and marital status. For older men, transitioning to living alone without a change in marital status was linked to significant weight loss. For older women, transitioning to living alone following widowhood or divorce was the risk factor. These relationships remained significant even after adjusting for depression and a wide range of covariates. Additional analysis testing a cumulative effect revealed that only depression was a risk factor for being underweight at the last observation. Therefore, to prevent a clinically risky extent of weight loss, health policies for older Koreans should focus on those who transition to living alone, especially due to spousal bereavement or divorce (among women) and separation from living with children (among men).

The role of subjective, interpersonal, and structural social isolation in 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions worldwide, and the incidence of anxiety disorders among adults in the U.S. have increased over the last decade. Anxiety disorders can have debilitating effects on multiple areas of functioning and quality of life. Recently, social isolation has emerged as an important public health problem associated with worse health and well-being outcomes. Research on the connection between social isolation and mental health has found that multiple dimensions of social isolation may negatively impact mental health, but few inquiries have focused on the association between social isolation and anxiety. This study examined the relationships between multiple dimensions of social isolation and anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and older.MethodsThe sample includes 6082 individuals from the National Survey of American Life. This study examined whether three different dimensions of social isolation—subjective, interpersonal, and structural—were associated with 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders (any anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and agoraphobia (AG). Logistic regressions were used to test the associations between the three social isolation variables and the anxiety outcomes.ResultsThis study found that of the three dimensions of social isolation, subjective isolation was most consistently related to both lifetime and 12-month anxiety disorders. Those who were subjectively isolated had increased odds of meeting criteria for any anxiety disorder, PTSD, GAD, PD, and AG over the past 12 months and throughout their lifetimes. Structural isolation was negatively associated with lifetime and 12-month AG.ConclusionsPublic health approaches should include mental health and primary care providers and need to target social isolation, especially subjective isolation, which may be key in preventing anxiety disorders and the worsening of anxiety disorders. Future public health research is needed on how and in what ways the differing dimensions of social isolation impact mental health.

Cultural engagement and prevalence of pain in socially isolated older people: a longitudinal modified treatment policy approach

It remains uncertain whether cultural engagement positively influences the reduction of pain risk, particularly depending on the social isolation status. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cultural engagement on the reduction of pain prevalence over a 6-year follow-up period among older people, particularly those experiencing different dimensions of social isolation. This study was a prospective longitudinal study. We analysed the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort, consisting of 6468 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years old who provided data in waves 6 (2012-2013), 7 (2014-2015), 8 (2016-2017), and 9 (2018-2019). Self-reported cultural engagement (going to museums, art galleries, exhibitions, the theatre, concerts, or the opera) measured in waves 6-8 was used as the exposure variable. Meanwhile self-reported moderate-to-severe pain in wave 9 was used as the outcome variable. Social isolation was considered in waves 6-8, and the possibility of effect modification was captured by assessing each component of the social isolation index: not married or cohabiting with a partner, fewer than monthly contact with children/other immediate family/friends, and not engaging in any organisations, religious groups, or committees. The estimated pain prevalence was 29.2% (95% confidence interval, 28.1-30.3; reference) after adjusting for time-variant, time-invariant, and loss to follow-up factors. Cultural engagement led to a reduction in pain prevalence to 24.1% for all individuals, representing a decrease of 5.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.6-9.6; P-value, 0.03). In older people who were not married or cohabiting, cultural engagement resulted in a decrease in pain prevalence to 25.8%, a reduction of 3.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.4-6.4; P-value, 0.01). For those with less frequent contact with close family members, the pain prevalence decreased to 25.3%, a reduction of 3.9% (95% confidence interval, 0.2-7.6; P-value, 0.03). Meanwhile, other dimensions of social isolation did not show a significant reduction in pain prevalence. Cultural engagement may help to reduce the risk of pain in socially isolated older adults. Those who were single or living alone and had less frequent contact with immediate family were particularly vulnerable. While cultural engagement might help certain socially isolated older people feel better, its effectiveness varies, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI Grant Number (22K17648, Ikeda).

Unraveling the Threads: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Interplay be-tween Social Isolation and Academic Stress Among Students

In the labyrinthine landscape of student experiences, this research endeavors to unravel the intricate relationship between social isolation and academic stress. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, our study amalgamates quantitative rigor with qualitative depth to paint a comprehensive portrait of the challenges faced by students navigating the confluence of social dynamics and educational pressures. The primary objective is to understand how social isolation influences the prevalence and intensity of academic stress among students. Through a dual lens of theory and practice, the research aims to contribute to both the theoretical frameworks shaping stress models and the practical interventions implemented within educational institutions. A diverse sample of students across various educational institutions participated in this study. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys, probing the prevalence of social isolation and its correlation with academic stress. Qualitative insights were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, unraveling the nuanced experiences and coping mechanisms employed by students. The research affirms a significant positive correlation between social isolation and academic stress, establishing a quantifiable connection. Qualitative narratives unveil the emotional dimensions of social isolation, emphasizing loneliness, fear of failure, and a sense of disconnection as prevalent themes. Stressors such as performance expectations and a competitive academic environment emerge as catalysts that intensify stress levels among socially isolated students. Theoretical implications extend to the refinement of stress models by integrating emotional well-being and recognizing intersectionality. Practical implications advocate for tailored institutional support systems, mental health literacy initiatives, and the integration of social support into academic programs. Collaborative efforts between researchers and practitioners are essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. As this research concludes, it beckons educators, institutions, and policymakers to heed the call for transformative change. By prioritizing the emotional and social well-being of students alongside academic success, we pave the way for educational environments that foster resilience, support, and holistic growth. This research stands as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and actions, recognizing that the journey to understanding and enhancing student experiences is an ever-evolving endeavor

Comparison the effect of self-care training program in two methods of multi-media education and tele-nursing on social isolation in patients with COVID-19 in Bandar Abbas

Background. With the spread of the contagious disease of COVID-19, the necessity of quarantine came to prevent the transmission of the disease. For this reason, patients suffered from social isolation. On the other hand, in order to control and treat the disease, it was necessary to provide self-care training. The present study was designed with the aim of comparison of the effect of self-care training program in two methods of multi-media education and tele-nursing on social isolation in patients with COVID-19 in Bandar Abbas city. Methods. This study was performed as a quasi-experimental study on 88 patients with COVID-19 referred to comprehensive health service centers in Bandar Abbas in 2021. The research samples were selected through convenience method and were divided into two groups of multimedia training and tele-nursing using block random allocation. First, social isolation in patients with COVID-19 was assessed using the questionnaire in two groups and then self-care training was provided using multimedia and tele-nursing methods. At the end of day twenty-one, social isolation was measured again and the data was entered into SPSS software version 26 and analyzed. Results. There was no significant difference in pre-intervention assessment in term of social isolation score between the two groups (P>0.05). The results of the multiple covariance analysis test showed that by controlling the effect of the pre-test of each dimension of social isolation, the mean score of the loneliness, social disability, social anxiety and social tolerance dimensions after the intervention in the telenursing group was significantly lower than that of the multimedia group (P<0.001). Conclusion. Educational methods such as multimedia education and tele-nursing for awareness and self-care education, along with other medical care, can reduce social isolation. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a self-care education program and provide information about the necessary care during COVID-19 disease for patients in comprehensive health service centers and to use tele-nursing for more effective self-care education. Practical Implications. Research findings can be applied in self-care training programs in infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

A comparative study of stigma and mental health status between patients with erectile dysfunction and patients with erectile dysfunction and diabetes

Recently, although stigma and mental health among patients with diabetes have garnered significant research attention, there are still limited investigations into the stigma and mental health of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes. In this study, we aimed to examine the stigma and mental health of patients with ED and diabetes to provide insights for improving the treatment and nursing of patients with ED and diabetes. We selected 82 patients with ED and diabetes and 82 patients with ED. Patients were evaluated using the Basic Information Scale, Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Social Impact Scale (SIS). Patients with ED and diabetes had higher scores than the national norm in all dimensions of shame (p < 0.05), while patients with ED scored higher than the national norm in the dimensions of social exclusion, economic discrimination and internal shame (p < 0.05). Further, patients with ED and diabetes had higher scores of disease shame regarding social exclusion, internal shame and social isolation dimensions than patients with ED (p < 0.05). The score of interpersonal relationship factors of patients with ED was lower than that of the national norm (p < 0.05), while for patients with ED, the score of interpersonal relationship factors in patients’ SCL-90 was lower (p < 0.05) and the score of psychotic factors was higher than that of the national norm (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the paranoid factor score in the SCL-90 of patients with ED and diabetes, the social exclusion dimension score, and the total score in the sense of shame (p < 0.05). Both patients with ED and diabetes and patients with ED exhibited abnormally higher rates of SCL-90 scores, indicating the presence of psychological distress and urging the need to strengthen psychological care.

AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ATTACHMENT STYLES AND INTERNET ADDICTION IN MEDICAL SECRETARIES

The aim of study is to examine the relationship between internet addictions and attachment styles of medical secretaries. The population of this study comprise 280 medical secretaries working at University Hospital. Personal information form, Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles (TDAS) and Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) were used as data collection tools in the study. According to the results obtained as a result of the study, it was determined that the most preferred activity for the medical secretaries to spend their free time was going on the internet with the rate of 35,6%. IAS total score average is 4.24±0.66 and the highest mean score in its sub-dimensions is the social isolation dimension with 4.49±0.76 points. The total mean score of the TDAS is 2.68±0.43 and the highest mean score in the sub-dimensions of the scale is the secure attachment dimension with 3.91±0.64. It was determined that only anxious/ambivalent attachment style had a negatively significant effect in explaining internet addiction.

Social Isolation and Well-Being Among Middle-Age and Older Adults: Before and During the COVID-19 Outbreak

This symposium brings together five studies that examined the relationship between social isolation and well-being. Two used pre-COVID data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). One aimed to identify patterns of social isolation trajectory in a 9-year period, where social isolation was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. It identified four distinct patterns, and the pattern had a gradient relationship with health outcomes. Another examined the association between self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and social well-being among older adults. It found that positive SPA predicted increased social connectedness and reduced loneliness in four years. Two other studies were based on a longitudinal survey (COVID-19 Coping Survey) that began in April 2020. One reports that adults 55+ with comorbidity at pandemic onset had persistently elevated depressive symptoms in a 6-month period, regardless of their social isolation level. Another paper suggests that physical isolation at pandemic onset was associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness throughout the following six months. The fifth paper was based on two-wave data—2019 survey and 2020 COVID supplement—from the National Aging and Health Trend Study (NAHTS). It found that older adults who were very socially isolated and completely homebound before the pandemic experienced less psychological distress during the outbreak than those who were very socially integrated and not homebound. The five studies highlight the multiple dimensions of social isolation, their antecedents and development over time, and their role in shaping mental health in a pandemic context.

Social isolation and health outcomes among older people in China

BackgroundSocial isolation is a serious public health issue affecting a significant number of older adults worldwide. However, associations between different dimensions of social isolation and functional health are unclear. We assessed the varied effects of social isolation on health among a nationwide sample of older adults from China.MethodsWe assessed social isolation among 5,419 people aged 65 and older who took part in both the 2011 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Social isolation includes objective social isolation (kinlessness and lack of social contacts) and subjective social isolation. Four functional health outcomes were examined: self-rated health (SRH), activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and cognitive function measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We used multivariable regression analyses to examine the associations between social isolation and health outcomes.ResultsOlder people who never married or who had recently lost a spouse were more likely to report poor SRH (OR=2.44) and difficulty with IADLs (ORs=1.46) than those who were married and lived with a spouse. Older people who never gave birth were less likely to report cognitive impairment (OR=0.53) than those who had living children, while older people who had recently lost a child were more likely to report poor SRH than those who had living children (OR=1.32). Older people who had no children visiting were more likely to report difficulty with IADLs than those who had children visiting (OR=1.25). In terms of subjective social isolation, older people who felt lonely were more likely to report poor SRH, cognitive impairment, and difficulty with ADLs and IADLs (ORs=1.19, 1.27, 1.28 and 1.21, respectively), and older people who had no one to talk to were more likely to report poor SRH, cognitive decline, and difficulty with ADLs and IADLs (ORs=2.08, 5.32, 2.06 and 1.98, respectively).ConclusionsKinlessness, lack of social contacts and subjective social isolation may impact various dimensions of health in older people. Due to the varied health consequences of social isolation, targeted health interventions should be developed to address relevant situations of social isolation.

Social Isolation Profiles and Older Adult Substance Use: A Latent Profile Analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine substance use among older adults based upon their social isolation and loneliness profiles. Data were derived from the New Jersey Older Adult Survey on Drug Use and Health. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to determine the profiles of older adults (N = 801) based on 5 dimensions of social isolation and loneliness. Logistic and generalized ordered logistic regressions were conducted to assess the relationship between the latent profiles and substance use. LPA identified 5 social isolation/loneliness profiles. The "connected and active" group had the lowest odds of cigarette use. The "alone but not lonely" group had the highest odds of cigarette use, alcohol use, and high-risk drinking. The "alone and lonely" group had the highest odds of nonmedical drug use. In working with older adults who are using substances, it is important to inquire about their social isolation and loneliness. Cognitive behavioral therapy for the "alone and lonely" group may be beneficial, as it has been deemed effective in reducing loneliness and enhancing social networks.

Psychological Alienation and its Relationship to Psychological Security among a master's Students at Taif University: الاغتراب النفسي وعلاقته بالأمن النفسي لدى طلبة مرحلة الماجستير بجامعة الطائف

The study aimed to identify the feelings of psychological alienation among master's students at Taif University and identify the levels of such feelings. The study also aimed to identify the relationship between the level of psychological alienation and psychological security among the students. The study followed the descriptive approach; where the study sample consisted of (60) master's students at Taif University in Saudi Arabia. The study tool consisted of two measures; the psychological alienation and psychological security measures. The study came out with a set of results, the most important of which were: The total score of responses to the dimension of social isolation was 60.8%. The total score of responses to the dimension of anomie was 54.4%. The total score of responses to the dimension of nihilism was 60.8%. The total score of responses to the dimension of the feeling of impotence reached 45%. The total score of responses to the dimension of reification was 40.5%. The sample's assessment levels on the dimensions of life satisfaction ranged between 36-77.7%; where the total score of responses to this dimension was 71.7%. The total score of responses to the dimension of social appreciation was 59.6%. The total score of responses to the dimension of social stability reached 56%. In addition, the study found a negative relationship of statistical significance between the level of psychological alienation and psychological security among master's students at Taif University according to the correlation coefficient (0.633). In light of the previous results, the study recommended creating a climate in the university that satisfies the needs of the students; keeping them away from feeling alienated, and the need for psychological counselors to be present to provide psychological guidance to students at the university.

Identification of Risk Psychosocial Factors as Predictors of Loneliness of Elderly in Nursing Homes During Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The elderly is at bigger risk for getting COVID-19 virus, and a particularly vulnerable group are people placed in homes for the elderly and frail. The aims of the study were: (1) to examine differences in the respondent’s experiences of social isolation, loneliness and perception of social support, (2) to examine correlations between the dimensions of social isolation and the experience of social support with the experience of loneliness, and (3) to examine whether dimensions of social isolation and perceived social support are risky psychosocial significant predictors of loneliness. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 participants from three nursing homes in Croatia, EU. It used Social Provision Scale, the short- form Loneliness Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The results indicate that people who are single are lonelier, and if they do not have descendants are less likely to contact their family and at the same time they report a weaker social support experience. Loneliness is a statistically positive thing with a social provision dimension, information availability, and a significant negative correlation with the experience of social support. The dimensions of social provision, access to information and perceptions of social support contribute to the experience of loneliness. The constant exposure to negative information about the pandemic, the insecurity and anxiety of the people who communicate with them, make the users of homes for the elderly and infirm even more vulnerable to the development of loneliness.

Dimensions of Social Isolation and Weight Loss among Older Men and Women in S. Korea

Older men who live alone are typically believed to be highly susceptible to malnutrition. However, recent studies report their living alone status is associated with frailty negatively and with Type 2 diabetes positively. Meanwhile, older women who live alone are believed to be less susceptible to malnutrition, but qualitative research point out their high likelihood of malnutrition. There is little literature to explain these paradoxes. To evaluate this gap in understanding of how a metabolic process may be shaped by social context, this study examines whether different aspects of social isolation among older men and women (living alone, social contact, loneliness) are associated with adverse weight loss, as well as with indicators of meal frequency and body weight. For this, a data set comprised of 6,680 older adults from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging surveyed every two years from 2006 to 2018 was analyzed using panel regression models. Among older men, living alone was negatively associated with logged body weight even when considering loneliness but not associated with meal frequency and 5kg or more weight loss. Among older women, living alone was not associated with logged body weight but associated with fewer meals and 5kg or more weight loss. The association disappeared when considering loneliness. Unexpectedly, social contact was not significant to prevent adverse weight loss.

Differentiating objective and subjective dimensions of social isolation and apprasing their relations with physical and mental health in italian older adults

BackgroundInternational research shows that social isolation is harmful for health, especially for the elderly. Its objective and subjective dimensions are important to distinguish as each stands in a different relation with health. The first aim of the present study is the validation of three scales measuring objective and subjective isolation in an Italian elderly population. The second aim is to analyze subjective and objective social isolation and to appraise their association with health among seniors.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey collected data from 306 over 65 s participants. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face by one author and encompassed: social disconnectedness scale; perceived isolation scale; abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale; measures of general and mental health, and depression.ResultsThe three scales measuring social isolation demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and validity. Objective and subjective social isolation were not directly associated with physical health, whereas subjective isolation is strongly linked to worse mental health and depression. Higher level of subjective isolation was associated with lower level of physical health through the mediation of mental health. Subjective isolation served as a mediator in the relation between objective isolation and health. Moderation analysis demonstrated that low values of objective isolation predicted high values of mental health but only when subjective isolation was low. None of these relations were moderated by socio-demographic variables.ConclusionSubjective and objective isolation are clearly two separate dimensions and the scales validated in this paper showed to be potentially culturally invariant. Researchers should work to find instruments able to depict the complexity of the construct of social isolation.

429 - Relationship between agitation and social isolation as a dimension of quality of life in residents with dementia living in German nursing homes – a secondary data analysis

Abstract:Background: Agitation is common in nursing home residents with dementia and is associated with high burden for the residents, their relatives and their caregivers. These consequences increase if symptoms of agitation are severe. Although it is assumed that agitation and quality of life are related, knowledge about severe agitation and its relation to single dimensions of quality of life is limited.Objective: To examine the relationship between the severity of agitation and social isolation as a dimension of quality of life in people with dementia living in German nursing homes.Methods: An explorative secondary data analysis of data from an observational study with 1947 residents from 66 German nursing homes was conducted. Agitation was defined as a construct of the items agitation/aggression, irritability and disinhibition of the Neuropsychiatric-Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). Social isolation, as one of the dimensions of quality of life, was measured with a subscale of the short version of the QUALIDEM-instrument. First, a matching procedure was carried out to choose two groups with similar baseline characteristics, one with residents with severe agitation and one with residents with mild or no agitation. Second, a linear regression model and Mann-Whitney U tests were calculated to determine differences in the dimension of social isolation and its single items.Results: A significant relationship was found between the severity of agitation and the dimension of social isolation (-1.92 (CI 95%: -2.41, -1.43)). Besides the finding in the total score of the dimension of social isolation, significant differences were found in all three items defining this dimension (calls out; openly rejects contact with others; is rejected by other residents). In particular, the item ‘is rejected by other residents’ was often rated as applicable for people with dementia with severe agitation.Conclusion: Severe agitation is associated with lower values of quality of life in the dimension of social isolation and its defining items. In daily practice and in research, more attention should be paid to severe agitation. Furthermore, interventions that aim to influence both the severity of agitation and the quality of life should have a stronger focus on causes of social isolation.

أثر البطالة فی الشعور بالاغتراب والمیل الى التطرف لدى المتعطلین عن العمل فی المجتمع الأردنی من وجهة نظرهم. The Effect of Unemployment on the Feeling of Alienation and Tendency to Extremism among the Unemployed in the Jordanian Society from their Viewpoints

هدفت الدراسة الى التعرف على أثر البطالة في الشعور بالاغتراب والميل للتطرف في ضوء أبعادهما المؤثرة لدى المتعطلين عن العمل في المجتمع الأردني من وجهة نظرهم، والتعرف على الفروق الدالة إحصائيا بين إجابات عينة الدراسة من المتعطلين عن العمل نحو أثر البطالة في الشعور بالاغتراب والميل للتطرف لدى الشباب الأردني باختلاف متغيرات (الجنس، والمستوى التعليمي، وعدد سنوات التعطل عن العمل). کما وهدفت الدراسة الى الخروج ببعض التوصييات والمفترحات التي تساهم في الوقاية والحد من مشکلة البطالة في المجتمع الاردني, ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة تم الاعتماد على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، واستخدام الاستبانة کأداة رئيسة لجمع البيانات، وتکونت عينة الدراسة من 1007 عاطل عن العمل تم اختيارهم عشوائيا من محافظات اربد، البلقاء، الکرک والتي تمثل الأقاليم الجغرافية الثلاث للملکة الأردنية الهاشمية ( الشمال والوسط والجنوب). وتم تحليل البيانات باستخدام أساليب الإحصاء الوصفي والتحليلي, أظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن أثر البطالة في الشعور بالاغتراب في ضوء أبعاده المؤثرة لدى المتعطلين عن العمل في المجتمع الأردني من وجهة نظرهم جاءت بدرجة مرتفعة حيث بلغ المستوى العام لإجابات عينة الدراسة (3.705). وفي ضوء الأبعاد جاء بعد اللامعيارية في الترتيب الأول من حيث الأهمية النسبية وبمستوى مرتفع، تلاه بعد اللاهدف وبمستوى مرتفع، تلاهما بعد العزلة الاجتماعية وبمستوى مرتفع، وفي الترتيب الرابع وقبل الأخير البعد الخاص بقياس أثر البطالة في الشعور بالعجز وبمستوى متوسط، وأخيرا بعد التمرد وبمستوى متوسط. وأظهرت النتائج أن المستوى العام لأثر البطالة في الميل للتطرف في ضوء أشکاله المؤثرة لدى المتعطلين عن العمل في المجتمع الأردني من وجهة نظرهم جاءت بمستوى متوسط حيث بلغ المتوسط الحسابي العام للإجابات (3.297), أما أعلى مستوى الاجابة على أشکاله الفرعية فقد حقق التطرف السياسي الترتيب الأول من حيث الأهمية النسبية وبمستوى متوسط، تلاه التطرف الاجتماعي وبمستوى متوسط، تلاهما التطرف الفکري وبمستوى متوسط، وجاء بالمرتبة الأخيرة التطرف الديني وبمستوى متوسط. وبناء على نتائج الدراسة، فقد تم صياغة عدد من التوصيات من أهمها: العمل على إيجاد سياسات وبرامج وطنية بمشارکة کافة الجهات الحکومية وذات العلاقة يکون هدفها وضع سياسات اقتصادية واجتماعية فاعلة لإيجاد حلول فاعلة لمشکلة ألبطالة, وکذلک الوقاية والحد من آثارها في الشعور بالاغتراب والميل للتطرف لدى الشباب في المجتمع الأردني. The present study aimed to identify the effect of unemployment on the feeling of alienation and tendency to extremism in their effective dimension among the unemployed in the Jordanian society from their viewpoints. The study identified that there is a statistically significant differences between the answer of the study sample according to different variables (gender, educational level, and the number of years of unemployment) in order to achieve the objectives of the study, the analytical descriptive approach and a questionnaire were used to collect the study data. The study sample consisted of (1007) unemployed persons, randomly selected from governorate (Irbid, Balqa, Karak) which represent the geographical regions of Jordan (North, Center, and South). The data were analyzed using methods of descriptive and analytical statistics. The results showed that the effect of unemployment on feeling of alienation is high as the general level of the study sample answers reached (3.705) and the results showed that the nonstandard dimension came in the first high level, then the aimless dimension came in high level, then the social isolation dimension came in the high level. The powerless dimension in the medium level. Finally, the rebellion dimension came in the medium level. The results showed that the general level of effect of unemployment on the tendency to extremism was at a medium level, as the level of answers reached (3.297). The social extremism and the intellectual one in a medium level. Finally, the religious extremism came in a medium level. Based on the results of the study, a set of recommendations were formulated as the most important of which is finding policies and program from all government and relevant agencies in order to solve the problem of unemployment, reduce it and prevent its impact on alienation and extremism among young people in the Jordanian society.

Prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients diagnosed with oral cancer in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are common mental health problems among patients with cancer. While many psychological variables have been proven to influence anxiety and depressive symptoms, the variables are not mutually exclusive and their integrated effects on patients with oral cancer are yet unknown. The present study aims to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with oral cancer, to find out key potentially predictive factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out for Chinese patients with oral cancer between May 2016 and October 2017 in two Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals in Shenyang, China. Two hundred thirty patients with oral cancer were interviewed with questionnaires on demographic variables, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Social Impact Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and General Perceived Self-efficacy Scale(GSE). Chi-square test, nonparametric test, t-test and logistic regression analyses were conducted where appropriate to explore predictive factors of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms in the sample population was 36.96% (85/230) and 65.21% (150/230), respectively. Social isolation dimension of stigma (β = 0.436, OR = 1.547, CI:1.211 ~ 1.975), optimism (β = − 0.276, OR = 0.759, CI:0.624 ~ 0.922), and perceived stress (β = 0.217, OR = 1.243, CI:1.092 ~ 1.414) were predictors of anxiety symptoms. Marriage (β = 1.648, OR = 5.198, CI:1.427 ~ 18.924), positive readiness and expectancy dimension of hope (β = − 0.505, OR = 0.604, CI:0.395 ~ 0.923), social isolation dimension of stigma (β = 0.314, OR = 1.368, CI:1.054 ~ 1.776) and perceived stress (β = 0.273, OR = 1.314, CI:1.134 ~ 1.524) were predictors of depressive symptoms among oral cancer patients.ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was high among oral cancer patients in China. The communal predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with oral cancer were levels of perceived stress and social isolation of stigma. In addition, optimism was a predictor of anxiety symptoms and hope was a predictor of depressive symptoms.Trial registration2015–16, registered 20 Dec 2015.

Social isolation and connectedness as determinants of well-being: Global evidence mapping focused on LGBTQ youth

ABSTRACTSocial isolation describes a lack of a sense of belonging, the inability to engage and connect with others, and the neglect or deterioration of social relationships. This conceptual review describes how social isolation and connectedness affect the well-being of LGBTQ youth. Most studies focused on the psychosocial experience of social isolation, which led to suicide attempt, self-harm, sexual risk, and substance use. Scholarly work has drawn from a variety of frameworks, ranging from minority stress theory to positive youth development, to devise interventions that target isolation and connectedness in schools, community-based organisations, and in online environments. Finally, we discuss the importance of addressing social, cultural, and structural dimensions of social isolation in order to foster enabling environments that allow LGBTQ youth to thrive. This conceptual review suggests that individual and social transformations are the result of young people's meaningful participation in shaping their environment, which is made possible when their capabilities are fostered through social well-being. Our findings suggest the need for measures of social isolation among youth in databanks produced by global institutions, such as the World Health Organization.

Factors affecting nursing and midwifery students' attitudes toward social media.

With the advancement of technology, social media use increases day by day, especially among university students. This descriptive and correlational research was conducted with the aim of investigating attitudes of nursing and midwifery students towards social media in terms of certain variables. The population of the research comprised students studying at the nursing and midwifery department of a health college (N = 336), and the sample of the research constituted students who were chosen using accidental sampling from the population (n = 254). A Student Information Form and the Social Media Attitude Scale were used for data collection. It was identified that 73% of the students studied nursing and 64.2% used social media for various reasons. The averages scores for total score, social competence, need for sharing, relationship with the teachers, and social isolation dimensions of Social Media Attitude Scale were found as 72.19 ± 10.92 (23-115), 14.17 ± 4.87 (6-30), 27.65 ± 6.08 (8-40), 7.50 ± 3.20 (3-15), and 13.14 ± 5.01 (6-30), respectively. It was observed that nursing and midwifery students had positive attitudes towards social media. Furthermore, although the personal characteristics of students do not affect their attitudes towards social media, the features of social media have a statistically significant effect on students attitudes towards social media.