Social Isolation

Definition

Aloneness experienced by the individual and perceived as imposed by others and as a negative or threatened state.

Risk Factors

• Delay in accomplishing developmental tasks
• Alterations in mental status
• Altered state of wellness
• Immature interests
• Alterations in physical appearance
• Unaccepted social behavior
• Inability to engage in satisfying personal relationships
• Unaccepted social values

Defining Characteristics

• Expresses feeling of aloneness imposed by others.
• Expresses values acceptable to subculture, but unable to accept values of dominant culture.
• Expresses feelings of rejection
• Expresses feelings of difference from others
• Insecurity in public
• Sad, dull affect
• Absence of supportive significance toward family, and friends
• Uncommunicative, withdrawn, no eye contact.
• Preoccupation with own thoughts, repetitive, meaningless actions
• Projects hostility in voice, behavior
• Seeks to be alone or exists in subculture

Treatment

Relaxation therapy. Adapting the individual to the social customs of society; in the process he or she becomes a useful member of society.

Offered by Debra.