by Social isolation and loneliness have been consistently linked to an increased risk of early death, comparable to risk factors such as smoking and obesity. In 2023, the US surgeon general even declared social isolation and loneliness to be significant public health concerns. However, scientists are still working to understand the biological mechanisms underlying this relationship. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers suggests that social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher levels of inflammation, which is known to be connected to various health problems.
The desire for social connection and aversion to social disconnection are believed to be part of humans’ evolutionary heritage. As a species, humans are highly social, and our ancestors’survival and reproductive success depended on safety in numbers. Being cut off from the social group was perceived as a threat to safety. In response, the immune system, one of the body’s defense mechanisms, would activate to counteract potential injuries and infections. While this inflammatory response provides short-term protection, prolonged periods of stress and inflammation can negatively impact physical health.
The study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, investigates the associations between social isolation, loneliness, and markers of inflammation. Social isolation and loneliness are distinct concepts; the former refers to objective measures of one’s social connections, while the latter is an emotional state that can be experienced even when surrounded by others. Both factors can have implications for mental and physical health.
To conduct the study, the researchers analyzed data from three different studies. These studies followed participants from childhood into adulthood, enabling the researchers to examine the long-term effects of early social relationships on inflammation. The study focused on three markers of inflammation: C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR). Both CRP and IL-6 have been extensively studied in medical research, while suPAR is a more recently identified biomarker of chronic inflammation.
The findings of the study suggest that social isolation in childhood is correlated with elevated levels of all three inflammation markers in adulthood, at ages 18 and 45. Even after controlling for potential confounding factors such as smoking and body mass index, social isolation remained specifically associated with elevated suPAR levels. These results were consistent across the longitudinal studies included in the analysis. Additionally, living alone was found to be associated with elevated inflammation, particularly suPAR, among patients in a clinical sample.
Loneliness also showed associations with inflammation, although the pattern was less consistent. In midlife, there was a correlation between loneliness and elevated suPAR levels. However, in early adulthood (age 18), loneliness was associated with lower CRP levels. This counter-intuitive finding could potentially be explained by the fact that lonelier 18-year-olds are less likely to socialize and come into contact with pathogens.
The study emphasizes the long-term health implications of social isolation experienced in childhood. Social connection is not just rewarding in itself; extensive research has demonstrated that social health is closely tied to mental and physical well-being. While social isolation is often associated with older adults, this study highlights that it is a problem affecting individuals of all ages.
Understanding the intersection between our social and biological worlds can help unravel the complex factors that impact long-term health. These findings underscore the importance of intervening to prevent negative health outcomes related to loneliness and social isolation, especially among young people. As society becomes increasingly connected through digital media, it is crucial to consider how technology can both contribute to and mitigate social isolation and loneliness. Finding solutions to address these issues will require careful consideration of the role technology plays in fostering social connection.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.
