Social Isolation Research Articles

Social network and related factors in older people with sensory impairment in the community: Using principal component analysis

AimOlder people with sensory impairment are more likely to have smaller and weaker social network due to their reduced ability, which lowers their quality of life. However, there is little research on the social network in older people with sensory impairment, especially the related factors. The aim of the study was to explore the related factors of social network and to provide evidence for the improvement of social network to promote successful aging in older people with sensory impairment. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 participants for hearing and vision assessment and questionnaire survey in a community, Beijing. Data were collected and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple logistic regression using IBM SPSS 25.0 software. ResultsPCA showed that there were six risk factors whose eigenvalues >1 were extracted, with a total variance of 56.555%. Multiple logistic regression analysis of principal component indicated that five factors including physical health factor, social interaction factor, psychological status factor, lifestyle factor, and family condition factor, were statistically significant (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe social network of older people with sensory impairment is relatively poor. Physical health factor, social interaction factor, psychological status factor, lifestyle factor, and family condition factor may be related factors. Medical staff should pay attention to physical, psychological and social characteristics of older people, especially with sensory impairment, to carry out necessary measures to improve social network and avoid social isolation.

Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Social Isolation and Hypertension in Early Middle Adulthood.

Most studies have used cross-sectional or limited follow-up data to evaluate the relationship between social isolation (SI) and hypertension in older populations. The objective of this analysis was to examine the relationship between longitudinal SI and hypertension in a younger population. The present analysis used data from waves I to V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994-2018) and logistic regression models to describe the association of timing, duration, and transitional patterns of SI with hypertension in early middle adulthood. Models were adjusted for demographic variables and adolescent socioeconomic and health-related confounders. SI was higher across life stages among individuals with hypertension (adolescence: 38% versus 35%, young adulthood: 52% versus 44%, and early middle adulthood: 61% versus 52%). Individuals who were socially isolated in young adulthood or early middle adulthood had greater odds of hypertension in early middle adulthood than those who were not (odds ratio [OR], 1.30 [95% CI, 1.07-1.56]; OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.15-1.76], respectively). Early middle adulthood hypertension was significantly associated with persistent SI across all life stages and for those who moved into persistent SI after adolescence (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.02-1.93]; OR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.18-2.19], respectively). SI in young or early middle adulthood significantly increased the odds of hypertension, as did moving into SI and the accumulation of SI across life stages. Our analysis provides insights regarding timing for effective interventions to reduce hypertension earlier in the life course, which may prevent future adverse cardiovascular-related events.

Isolation, opportunity, and the ‘third place’: The experiences of Timorese seasonal workers in Australia

AbstractOrganised, temporary labour migration from the Global South to wealthier countries is a growing and sometimes problematic phenomenon. This article considers Timorese involvement in the Australian Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) in relation to this trend. Drawing primarily on semi‐structured interviews and participant observation undertaken among an interconnected group of 50 Timorese seasonal workers across Australia and Timor‐Leste between 2016 and 2021, we found that geographical and social isolation and limited leisure all proved challenges while working in Australia. In some cases, it appears that the workers were able to lean upon their own social networks and local churches as a way to mitigate these challenges. We argue that, in considering the welfare of workers in temporary migration programs such as the SWP, it is important to be aware of the role played by informal groups that are formally outside the scheme itself.

Incidental findings in development and use of digital health ecosystems for older people

Healthcare sectors are globally facing challenges delivering services for older people,. Although the implementation of digital technology has brought positive effects on caring older people in their homes, it has also resulted in arising ethical challenges including incidental findings (IF). The purpose of this systematic review is to reveal ethical challenges in the development and use of digital health ecosystems for older people. The objectives are 1) to reveal incidental findings, 2) ethical vulnerabilities and treats for integrity associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI); 3) to analyse ethical management of IF, and 4) to create recommendations for the use and development of digital health ecosystems. Systematic data search was completed in ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Ovid databases. Peer-reviewed full text research articles on ethical guidelines for developing and implementing digital health ecosystems for care of older people published in English between 2012 and 2022 were included. Previously published articles focusing on younger population or other than digital services were excluded. The included thirteen articles were appraised by design specific tools (PRISMA 2009, SANRA, STROBE, CAGSCS). The article texts were analysed and reported thematically. The IF revealed were violation of user autonomy, independence, and privacy during the development and use of the ecosystems; social isolation of the end-user; user unfriendly devices; additional workload to the care providers; technology induced anxiety; and biases and errors in use of the ecosystems. The ethical vulnerabilities and threats to integrity associated with use of AI. Observation and implementation of ethical values were found important in co-creation of ethically conscious ecosystems for older people. Empowering the designers, developers, and healthcare professionals on ethical competencies, and inclusion of the end-users’ preferences in designing of digital health ecosystems were included in the constructed recommendations. This article disseminated within the SHAPES Horizon 2020 project.

The Impact of Social Stigma on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Community

LGBTQ+ community people experience and worries of sexual stigma that affects their mental health. This study investigates the relationship between social stigma and mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals in India. Utilizing data from a diverse sample of 400 participants, comprising males, females, and non-binary/genderqueer individuals, gathered through an online questionnaire, the research examines the impact of social stigma variables including Rejection, Inferiority, Support Loved Ones and Social Perception Isolation and Loneliness Emotional Resilience parameters such as Unhappiness, Nervousness, and Suicidal Thoughts. Statistical analyses, conducted using SPSS, reveal moderate to moderately strong correlations between experiences of social stigma and adverse mental health outcomes, highlighting the urgent essential for targeted interventions toward reduce stigma then enhance rational healthiness support within LGBTQ+ communities in India and beyond. These findings underscore the importance of fostering inclusive environments and tailored interventions to promote the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Keywords: LGBTQ+, Social Stigma, Mental Health, Queer

Social participation in Australian residential aged care: A human rights perspective.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety emphasised the critical need for a human rights-based approach to protect the rights of older people in the Australian aged care context, including 'the right to social participation'. This topic is important because of the widespread social isolation and loneliness in Australian residential aged care. This article demonstrates how a human rights-based framework can provide guidance to governments in approaching issues involving the protection of older people's need for social connection in aged care. In doing so, the article considers examples of how the Australian government can ensure choice of living arrangement, individualised support and access to community services and facilities in the residential aged care context to better protect the right to social participation.

Incestuous Abuse Continuing into Adulthood: Clinical Features and Therapists’ Conceptualisations

ABSTRACT Prolonged incest, where children are sexually abused by familial perpetrators into adulthood, has been documented in clinical and criminological scholarship, however it is often overlooked in research, policy and practice approaches to familial sexual abuse. This article draws on interviews with ten Australian therapists about their clinical work with clients subject to incestuous abuse continuing into adulthood. It outlines their descriptions of these cases, the nature of the reported abuse and factors that facilitated prolonged and ongoing incest, including at the time of therapy. The therapists and their clients were female. The clients were highly dissociative and experienced significant psychiatric and medical comorbidity, and extensive socio-economic disadvantage. Reported abuse was sadistic, ongoing, often involved multiple perpetrators, and sometimes had links to organized abuse. Therapists’ conceptualizations of the factors related to the abuse included: enmeshed and disorganized attachment to the perpetrator; symptoms of severe dissociation; having absent, abusive or non-protective mothers; and social isolation which limited help-seeking. The study concludes that attachment, trauma and dissociation-informed therapy is essential, while further research is needed to further explore effective interventions and responses to this clinical cohort.

A Half-Day Camp Program for Adolescents Affected by Childhood Cancer

Background:Adolescents affected by childhood cancer experience various degrees of psychosocial distress, social isolation, and social support throughout the treatment process.Objective:To create and implement an evidence-based practice project consisting of a pilot half-day camp program to improve social support and connectedness for adolescents affected by childhood cancer.Methods:A pilot half-day camp program was implemented. Twenty adolescent patients, survivors, and siblings (ages 13–18 years) participated in the program. Participants provided basic demographic information and completed pretest, immediate posttest, and 4-week posttest surveys to assess their levels of social support and camp connectedness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Results:All measures of social support in adolescent participants affected by childhood cancer trended upwards following the conclusion of the program, then trended downwards over time, with overall social support and family social support significantly decreasing over time postintervention. Camp connectedness was not significantly impacted by the program.Conclusions:Social support decreases as participants are further out from attending a half-day camp program. This pilot program demonstrated the feasibility of a short-term, local, cost-effective camp program that is scalable to larger groups.Implications for Nursing:Providers should refer adolescents affected by childhood cancer to camp programs for social support. More research is needed to determine if more frequent camp programs sustain a high level of social support in participants.

The long‐term effects of childhood circumstances on older individuals: A systematic review

AbstractChildhood experiences are known to shape individuals' development and can influence various aspects of life later on. Understanding the long‐term effects is crucial for informing interventions and policies aimed at promoting healthy aging. This review aimed to explore the long‐term effects of childhood experiences on older individuals. This systematic review comprised three distinct phases. Firstly, a systematic review was conducted, exploring databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science. Out of the 2116 studies initially identified, 24 studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Secondly, these inclusion criteria were applied to ensure that the chosen studies specifically delved into the connection between childhood experiences and outcomes in older individuals. Finally, data extraction and synthesis techniques were employed to analyze findings, facilitating the drawing of conclusions concerning the enduring impacts of childhood experiences on the well‐being of older individuals. The review's findings revealed how negative experiences in childhood continue to affect older individuals in various ways. These early‐life events have far‐reaching consequences, profoundly impacting their physical health, making them more susceptible to chronic diseases and weakening their immune system. Additionally, they affect mental health, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Cognitive function is also affected, resulting in memory problems and cognitive decline. Furthermore, these experiences impact social relationships, affecting trust, emotional control, and social isolation in later life. This review highlighted the enduring influence of childhood circumstances on the health and well‐being of older individuals. Policymakers and health care practitioners should consider these findings when developing strategies to support healthy aging and mitigate the long‐term effects of adverse childhood experiences.

Reducing gadget use intensity in preschool-aged children through storytelling and coloring therapy

The use of gadgets in the current era of globalization has become a concerning trend, especially among preschool children, leading to addiction and detrimental effects on their physical, psychological, and emotional health. It has also resulted in increased social isolation and hindered development. The impact of this trend is significantly influenced by the roles of parents, family, and the surrounding environment. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of health education using modules on the benefits of storytelling and coloring therapy in enhancing parents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding prudent gadget use in preschool children. The research design was a pre-post quasi-experiment without a control group. The population comprised parents with preschool children attending 11 public kindergartens in Samarinda City. A total sampling method was utilized, resulting in 303 respondents. Health education intervention occurred after the pre-test, followed by one month of assistance and a subsequent post-test. The research instrument was a questionnaire adapted from the theory of planned behavior, assessing parents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to providing gadgets to children. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate analyses using the Wilcoxon test. The results indicate a significant influence of health education using modules on the benefits of storytelling and coloring therapy on parents' wise gadget use in preschool children (p-value &lt; 0.005). Thus, health education for parents on prudent gadget use in preschoolers is highly recommended, particularly during parent meetings at school.

Perceived stress from social isolation or loneliness among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers during COVID-19

BackgroundWorkplace social isolation and loneliness have been found to result in a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in burnout among working individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and social isolation among healthcare workers. The majority of research on healthcare worker experiences is conducted in siloes which does not reflect the shared experiences of interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study is to understand stress from social isolation or loneliness across the entire clinical and non-clinical healthcare team over the course of the pandemic.MethodsData was acquired using a cross-sectional survey distributed to healthcare workers once a year at a large academic medical center in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). Information pertaining to job role, work location, and demographic factors was collected. Participants were also asked to assess individual well-being and resilience, in addition to reporting stress derived from various sources including job demands and social isolation or loneliness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between stress from social isolation or loneliness and individual characteristics.ResultsStress from social isolation or loneliness was found to decrease over the survey period across all measured variables. Trainees and physician-scientists were found to report the highest rates of this stressor compared to other job roles, while Hospital-Based ICU and Non-ICU work locations reported the highest rates of loneliness and social isolation stress. Younger workers and individuals from marginalized gender and racial groups were at greater risk for stress from social isolation or loneliness.ConclusionsGiven the importance of social connections for well-being and job performance, organizations have a responsibility to create conditions and mechanisms to foster social connections. This includes establishing and reinforcing norms of behavior, and developing connection mechanisms, particularly for groups at high risk of loneliness and social isolation.

Cardiomyopathies and Psychiatric Disorders: An Overview and General Clinical Recommendations.

The association between cardiomyopathies (CMPs) and psychiatric disorders is a complex and bidirectional phenomenon that involves multiple mechanisms and factors. CMPs may raise the risk of psychiatric disorders due to the psychological stress, physical limitations, social isolation, or poor prognosis associated with the underlying disease. Psychiatric disorders, on the other hand, can increase the possibility of developing or worsening CMPs due to the behavioral, neuroendocrine, inflammatory, or pharmacological effects of mental illness or its treatment. Moreover, some common genetic or environmental factors may have a relevant influence on both conditions. With this comprehensive review, we sought to provide an overview of the current evidence on the strict and intriguing interconnection between CMPs and psychiatric disorders, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical implications, and management strategies.

Virtual Intergenerational Playgroups: Evaluating a Pilot Program

ABSTRACT Traditionally a medium for social connectedness between parents and their children, playgroups have been reimagined to include older people. Intergenerational playgroups (IGPs) bring together participants that span across generations, facilitating interactions that promote self-esteem for older people and trans-generational learning for children. In response to challenges to well-being from social isolation experienced by elders, and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual IGP was initiated by a playgroup organization, intended to harness technology to facilitate interactions between preschool-aged children, parents, and residents of aged-care facilities. This paper evaluates a virtual IGP program via the review of program development, implementation, and related wellbeing outcomes. The paper provides recommendations through a framework to enhance the planning and execution of future virtual IGPs.

Sociocultural adjustment and social support as predictors for international medical sciences students’ anxiety during COVID-19

BackgroundThe prevalence of anxiety is high among international medical sciences students and it increased even more during the COVID-19 pandemic due to different restrictions and social isolation. Successful sociocultural adjustment and social support could be important factors in overcoming those challenges, however, there is a lack of studies which would investigate the role of those factors among inter- national medical students. This study aimed to assess the role of sociocultural adjustment and social support as predictors for international medical students’ anxiety during COVID-19.MethodsTwo measurements were conducted via self-reported questionnaires which consisted of three scales - SCAS, MSPSS and GAD-7. In total, 82 international medical students participated in both measurements in this longitudinal study.ResultsThe findings indicated that 37% of international students had symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety during their first year of studies at university. In the second year, during the COVID-19 pandemic and an official lockdown, 35% of international students had symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety. In addition, this study showed that gender and sociocultural adjustment did not play a role as predictors of students’ anxiety during the second year of studies. However, this study revealed that social support provided by family during the first year of studies, as well as having friends or family members who had been ill with COVID-19 predicted higher levels of anxiety at second measurement, while sociocultural adjustment was an even stronger predictor of anxiety in the second year of studies of international medical students.ConclusionsThis knowledge can help to better understand how international medical students felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and what role the above- mentioned factors played in the students’ anxiety. As the anxiety level is quite high among international medical students, universities and mental health service providers should take it into consideration and help them to overcome those challenges.

The burden of anxiety, depression, and stress, along with the prevalence of symptoms of PTSD, and perceptions of the drivers of psychological harms, as perceived by doctors and nurses working in ICUs in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic; a mixed method evaluation.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant physical and psychological impacts for survivors, and for the healthcare professionals caring for patients. Nurses and doctors in critical care faced longer working hours, increased burden of patients, and limited resources, all in the context of personal social isolation and uncertainties regarding cross-infection. We evaluated the burden of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependence among doctors and nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) in Nepal and explored the individual and social drivers for these impacts. We conducted a mixed-methods study in Nepal, using an online survey to assess psychological well-being and semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions as to the drivers of anxiety, stress, and depression. Participants were recruited from existing national critical care professional organisations in Nepal and using a snowball technique. The online survey comprised of validated assessment tools for anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and alcohol dependence; all tools were analysed using published guidelines. Interviews were analysed using rapid appraisal techniques, and themes regarding the drivers for psychological distress were explored. 134 respondents (113 nurses, 21 doctors) completed the online survey. Twenty-eight (21%) participants experienced moderate to severe symptoms of depression; 67 (50%) experienced moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety; 114 (85%) had scores indicative of moderate to high levels of stress; 46 out of 100 reported symptoms of PTSD. Compared to doctors, nurses experienced more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, whereas doctors experienced higher levels of stress than nurses. Most (95%) participants had scores indicative of low risk of alcohol dependence. Twenty participants were followed up in interviews. Social stigmatism, physical and emotional safety, enforced role change and the absence of organisational support were perceived drivers for poor psychological well-being. Nurses and doctors working in ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic sustained psychological impacts, manifesting as stress, anxiety, and for some, symptoms of PTSD. Nurses were more vulnerable. Individual characteristics and professional inequalities in healthcare may be potential modifiable factors for policy makers seeking to mitigate risks for healthcare providers.

An investigation into factors affecting the willingness to disclose personal health information when using AI-enabled caregiver robots

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to propose and empirically validate a theoretical framework to investigate the willingness of the elderly to disclose personal health information (PHI) to improve the operational efficiency of AI-integrated caregiver robots.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon Privacy Calculus Theory (PCT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), 274 usable responses were collected through an online survey.FindingsEmpirical results reveal that trust, privacy concerns, and social isolation have a direct impact on the willingness to disclose PHI. Perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), social isolation, and recognized benefits significantly influence user trust. Conversely, elderly individuals with pronounced privacy concerns are less inclined to disclose PHI when using AI-enabled caregiver robots.Practical implicationsGiven the pressing need for AI-enabled caregiver robots due to the aging population and a decrease in professional human caregivers, understanding factors that influence the elderly's disclosure of PHI can guide design considerations and policymaking.Originality/valueConsidering the increased demand for accurate and comprehensive elder services, this is the first time that information disclosure and AI-enabled caregiver robot technologies have been combined in the field of healthcare management. This study bridges the gap between the necessity for technological improvement in caregiver robots and the importance of transparent operational information by disclosing the elderly's willingness to share PHI.

Real Time Depression and Anxiety Detection Using Machine Learning

Depression affects a staggering 264 million individuals worldwide, constituting a significant cause of disability. The detrimental impact of a negative workplace environment extends beyond productivity loss to encompass physical and medical ailments. Unfortunately, individuals often refrain from seeking help due to the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health issues. Leveraging the potential of machine learning, we have embarked on a journey to predict depression using diverse algorithms. Our study draws upon routine survey data, delving into factors such as home and workplace environments, family history of mental illness, among others. Recognizing and understanding the mental state of individuals, be it stress, anxiety, or depression, holds paramount importance in averting untoward incidents. Recent events, such as economic downturns, pandemic-induced fears, and social isolation, have contributed to a surge in depression and anxiety cases. Furthermore, there is compelling evidence indicating heightened social media usage among individuals with mental health disorders. Thus, we delve into the potential of online personas on social media platforms. Our work presents a comprehensive review of various methodologies employed in the literature for detecting depression, thereby shedding light on emerging trends and challenges. By identifying gaps in existing research, we aim to provide fresh insights and directions for researchers committed to advancing the field of depression detection. Key Words: Depression Detection, Machine Learning, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Accuracies, Human Being.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Emotion Regulation, Behavioral Symptoms, and Academic Performance of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently struggle with emotional regulation, behavioral issues, and academic performance, leading to peer rejection and social isolation. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on emotion regulation, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance of children with ADHD. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design. The study population consisted of all primary school students with ADHD aged 7 - 11, as well as their mothers, in Amol in 2021. A purposive sample of 30 individuals was selected for the study. Participants were assigned to either the ACT training group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15) through a simple random allocation. The participants in the study filled out questionnaires on emotion regulation, children's behavioral symptoms, and academic performance. The data was analyzed using an analysis of covariance. Results: In the pretest phase, the scores for adaptive emotion regulation strategies, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance were 43.07 ± 6.05, 65.13 ± 9.27, 91.20 ± 12.58, and 128.47 ± 29.84, respectively; whereas in the posttest phase, they were 61.20 ± 8.01, 52.00 ± 6.00, 67.13 ± 12.73, and 159.73 ± 21.11, respectively. Acceptance and commitment therapy resulted in enhanced emotion regulation strategies and academic performance, as well as a decrease in behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Given the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy training in emotion regulation, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance, this approach may be employed by counselors and psychologists at counseling and psychotherapy centers to help remedy ADHD.

Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) is a rising global problem affecting children and adolescents worldwide. Despite the escalating prevalence of OCSEA, there is limited research specifically focusing on children and adolescents with disabilities. To bridge this gap, this systematic review was conducted to identify the prevalence, nature and associated risk factors of OCSEA of children and adolescents with disabilities. Following the PRISMA Statement, this systematic review included scientific evidence from 12 academic databases and the gray literature published between 1993 and 2023. A total of 13 studies were extracted, and thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The findings of this systematic review reveal the characteristics such as the gender, age and type of disabilities of OCSEA victims. Perpetrators use diverse techniques, including online grooming, manipulation, and cyber-threats, resulting in consequences such as mental health issues and social isolation of victims. The associated risk factors include lack of parental monitoring, social isolation, and low risk perception. The results of this research provide crucial insights into OCSEA of children and adolescents with disabilities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and further exploration in this understudied area.

Military Widows’ Experiences of Social Isolation, Loneliness and Unmet Social Needs

Military widow/ers can experience spousal death suddenly and in traumatic circumstances. Evidence shows that this experience often has a long-term effect on surviving family members, highlighting the unique experiences of loneliness and social isolation in the armed forces community. This study aimed to explore military widow/ers’ lived experiences of social isolation and loneliness and unmet needs relating to social participation. This paper presents the qualitative findings of a sequential study in which Phase One utilized an online survey (N = 165) and Phase Two employed semi-structured interviews (N = 26). Almost all participants across both Phases discussed feeling lonely, socially isolated, or both. Findings highlight the complexity in transition from military spouse to military widow/er through the loss of a military community and geographical location. This was further compounded by language barriers and perceived hierarchy (through service life or circumstances of death) which created obstacles to help seeking. However, individuals who did join military widow/ers’ associations valued peer support through shared connection and understanding. Peer support was particularly valued as, for many, existing relationships with friends or family members were often negatively impacted following bereavement. These changed relationships led to feelings of both vulnerability and loss. Consideration needs to be given to how access to appropriate support is gained and what provision needs to be in place. This study recommends the use of more inclusive language for the military bereaved to promote inclusive practices and broaden the availability of support, including that which would increase social participation, across the sector.