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Reiner A, Steinhoff P. The association of social networks and depression in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review. Syst Rev 2024; 13:161. [PMID: 38902787 PMCID: PMC11188217 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Depression is a globally prevalent mental condition, particularly among older adults. Previous research has identified that social networks have a buffering effect on depression. Existing systematic reviews have either limited their research to specific geographic areas or provided evidence from over a decade ago. The vast body of recent literature particularly from the last decade emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review. This systematic review aims to analyze the association of structural aspects of social networks and depression in older adults. METHODS The electronic databases APA PsycINFO, ProQuest, PSYINDEX, PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, and Web of Science were searched from date of data base inception until 11 July 2023. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on community-dwelling older adults (defined as a mean age of at least 60 years old), had an acceptable definition for depression, referred to the term social network in the abstract, and were published in English. Quality was appraised using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Outcome data were extracted independently from each study and analyzed by direction of the relationship, social network domain and cross-sectional or longitudinal study design. RESULTS In total, 127 studies were included. The study categorizes structural network aspects into seven domains and finds that larger and more diverse networks, along with closer social ties, help mitigate depression. The literature on the relationships between depression and network density, homogeneity, and geographical proximity is scarce and inconclusive. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Despite inconsistent findings, this review highlights the importance of quantifying complex social relations of older adults. Limitations of this review include publication and language bias as well as the exclusion of qualitative research. Further research should use longitudinal approaches to further investigate the reciprocal relationship between social networks and depression. Following this review, interventions should promote the integration of older adults in larger and more diverse social settings. Other: This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Grant [454899704]. This systematic review was pre-registered. The review-protocol can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6QDPK .
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Reiner
- Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Paula Steinhoff
- Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923, Cologne, Germany
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Degnan A, Berry K, Crossley N, Edge D. Social network characteristics of Black African and Caribbean people with psychosis in the UK. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:62-70. [PMID: 36898328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Poorer social networks predict more coercive pathways to care and other adverse outcomes in people with psychosis. People from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds have more negative experiences within UK mental health care systems and family relationships often breakdown. This study aimed to examine the social network characteristics of Black African and Caribbean people experiencing psychosis and associations between network characteristics and severity of psychosis, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology. Fifty-one participants completed social network mapping interviews (a gold standard approach to assessing social network composition) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. This is the first study to explicitly measure social network size amongst Black people with psychosis living within the UK and results showed that participants' social network size (mean = 12) was comparable to that of other psychosis samples. Networks were of moderate density and comprised disproportionately more relatives than other relationship types. Poor network quality was related to more severe psychosis symptoms suggesting that social network quality may be an important factor in influencing the severity of psychosis. Findings highlight the need for community-based interventions and family therapies to mobilise sources of social support for Black people with psychosis within the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Degnan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, UK.
| | - Nick Crossley
- The Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis, School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Dawn Edge
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, UK
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3
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Søndergaard E, Reventlow S, Mogensen HO. Episodic Relatedness in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Families Where a Parent has Multiple Diagnoses. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2066-2077. [PMID: 36260962 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221132204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is a strong association between social relationships and health. In this article, we ask how a view of social relationships played out in time can help to nuance the role of patients' social networks in their healthcare-seeking behavior. We investigate this link by exploring the dynamics of relatedness in socioeconomically vulnerable young families with a multimorbid parent and their extended networks. Data were generated through repeated semi-structured and open-ended interviews and participant observation. The study found that, for much of their lives, participants experienced life as a series of events that happened to them and were out of their control. This way of being-in-the-world was linked to a consistent pattern of intense and then suddenly discontinued relationships. The relevance for health professionals is that there is a growing trend in healthcare systems worldwide to involve relatives and extended networks in a patient's treatment process. Our findings indicate challenges to this approach and recommend that health professionals are aware that for socioeconomically vulnerable patients with multimorbidity, important relationships can change dramatically, quickly, and repeatedly, over short periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Søndergaard
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Reventlow
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Degnan A, Berry K, Vaughan M, Crossley N, Edge D. Engagement with services in Black African and Caribbean people with psychosis: The role of social networks, illness perceptions, internalized stigma, and perceived discrimination. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 61:1134-1153. [PMID: 35906819 PMCID: PMC9796907 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research and policies in the United Kingdom have repeatedly highlighted the need to reduce ethnic disparities and improve engagement with mental health services among Black African and Caribbean people with psychosis. The aim of this study was to examine the role of social network characteristics and psychological factors in engagement with services in Black people with psychosis. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 51 Black African and Caribbean adults with non-affective psychosis and currently receiving care from mental health services in England. Measures were completed to examine relationships between social networks, illness perceptions, perceived racial or ethnic discrimination in services, internalized stigma, and current engagement with services from service user and staff perspectives. RESULTS Social network composition (ethnic homogeneity) moderately correlated with better service user and staff reported engagement. Greater perceived personal control over problems was associated with better staff reported engagement. Lower perceived ethnic or racial discrimination in services, and specific illness perceptions (higher perceived treatment control, greater self-identification with psychosis symptoms, more concern and greater emotional response related to problems) were associated with better service user reported engagement. Internalized stigma was not associated with service engagement. Multivariate regression analyses suggested that a more ethnically homogenous social network was the strongest predictor of better service user and staff reported engagement. CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial interventions that target social networks, perceived ethnic and racial discrimination in services, and illness perceptions may facilitate better engagement and improve outcomes. Further longitudinal studies are required to examine causal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Degnan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Matthew Vaughan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Nick Crossley
- School of Social SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Dawn Edge
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
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Rusca R, Onwuchekwa IF, Kinane C, MacInnes D. Comparing the social networks of service users with long term mental health needs living in community with those in a general adult in-patient unit. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1071-1077. [PMID: 34015979 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211017590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relationships are vital to recovery however, there is uncertainty whether users have different types of social networks in different mental health settings and how these networks may impact on users' wellbeing. AIMS To compare the social networks of people with long-term mental illness in the community with those of people in a general adult in-patient unit. METHOD A sample of general adult in-patients with enduring mental health problems, aged between 18 and 65, was compared with a similar sample attending a general adult psychiatric clinic. A cross-sectional survey collected demographic data and information about participants' social networks. Participants also completed the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale to examine well-being and the Significant Others Scale to explore their social network support. RESULTS The study recruited 53 participants (25 living in the community and 28 current in-patients) with 339 named as important members of their social networks. Both groups recorded low numbers in their social networks though the community sample had a significantly greater number of social contacts (7.4 vs. 5.4), more monthly contacts with members of their network and significantly higher levels of social media use. The in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. CONCLUSIONS People with serious and enduring mental health problems living in the community had a significantly greater number of people in their social network than those who were in-patients while the in-patient group reported greater levels of emotional and practical support from their network. Recommendations for future work have been made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rusca
- Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, Canterbury, Kent, UK
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Giacco D. Tackling social isolation in people with psychosis: promising developments but need for conceptual clarity. J Ment Health 2022; 31:297-301. [PMID: 35599584 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2069725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Giacco
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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van den Heuvel RM, Wensing M, Geurts HM, Teunisse JP. The Social Support Network of Adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition: An Exploration Using the Network in Action-Questionnaire. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:1974-1988. [PMID: 35182260 PMCID: PMC10123042 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Actively involving the network during treatment, as recommended in Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) guidelines, can be facilitated with the Network in Action-Questionnaire (NiA-Q), which identifies the current and potential sources of social support. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the factor structure of the NiA-Q and (2) to explore the self- and proxy-report on the social network. Before the start of treatment in a mental health institution, 193 adults with an ASC diagnosis and 84 proxies completed the NiA-Q. Factor analysis showed two factors: positive social support and interpersonal distress. Self- and proxy-report on the NiA-Q did not differ for most variables, except for social network wishes. The NiA-Q provides a basis for network involvement and strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinske M van den Heuvel
- Leo Kannerhuis, Youz (Parnassia Group), Stationsweg 49, 6861 EE, Oosterbeek, The Netherlands. .,HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Michel Wensing
- General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Leo Kannerhuis, Youz (Parnassia Group), Stationsweg 49, 6861 EE, Oosterbeek, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Pieter Teunisse
- Leo Kannerhuis, Youz (Parnassia Group), Stationsweg 49, 6861 EE, Oosterbeek, The Netherlands.,HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Chmielowska M, Zisman-Ilani Y, Saunders R, Pilling S. Social network interventions in mental healthcare: a protocol for an umbrella review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052831. [PMID: 34921079 PMCID: PMC8685933 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social networks (SNs) can play a crucial role in the process of recovery from mental illness. Yet there is no standard best practice for involving SNs to optimise patient recovery. It is therefore critical to explore the diversity of SN approaches in mental health, highlight gaps in the evidence and suggest future directions for research and practice. This protocol describes the methods for an umbrella review of SN interventions for the care and/or treatment of mental illness. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Nine electronic databases will be searched for the relevant journal articles: CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Ovid PsycINFO. We will include reviews which extracted information about the quantity, structure and quality of patient's SNs as well as frequency of contact. The range of publication dates of the included articles will be from 2010 and 2021, as recommended by Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 tool and ratings of the quality of evidence will be used to assess the quality of the included reviews. The results will be presented in accordance with guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement. Findings will inform the development of an SN framework to guide the design and evaluation of psychosocial interventions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This umbrella review will involve secondary data analysis and ethical approval is not required. The target audience includes clinicians, researchers and service users, who will be reached with tailored materials through journal publications, conference presentations and social media. The presentation of the results will provide a more complete picture of relevant evidence and explicit basis from which to improve psychosocial well-being for people diagnosed with a mental illness. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER This protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (http:/ /www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO), registration number CRD42020192873.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Chmielowska
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yaara Zisman-Ilani
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Social and Behavioural Sciences, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rob Saunders
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Pilling
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (CORE), Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Siette J, Pomare C, Dodds L, Jorgensen M, Harrigan N, Georgiou A. A comprehensive overview of social network measures for older adults: A systematic review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 97:104525. [PMID: 34536656 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The size and type of older adults' social networks is associated with health, mental and social outcomes. Investigators within many disciplines are now measuring social networks, but it is not always clear what they are assessing, or which measures may best meet their objectives. To undertake a systematic review to identify (i) social network measures used for older adults, (ii) variety of social network dimensions and (iii) how measures have developed over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify social network instruments, followed by categorization of the domains into quantitative, qualitative and alter domains. RESULTS A total of 229 studies and 21 social network measures were included, with 11 quantitative dimensions (e.g., size, frequency), 5 qualitative dimensions (e.g., support satisfaction, emotional bond) and 7 alter members (e.g., family, neighbours) of social networks identified. Measures commonly clustered on quantifiable network size (n = 19), availability of supportive networks (n = 14) and presence of family ties (n = 21). The period between 1985 and 1995 produced the greatest number of newly developed social network measures (n = 10) with a stronger focus on qualitative features. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This review provides researchers with an organized summary of measures and dimensions for consideration when appraising social connections in older adults. This can enable better study design through providing information that makes explicit inevitable trade-offs between survey length, comprehensiveness of dimension coverage, and utilization of the measure for researchers. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42016043089.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Siette
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia; Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Chiara Pomare
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Laura Dodds
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mikaela Jorgensen
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Andrew Georgiou
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
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Smart EL, Berry K, Palmier-Claus J, Brown LJE. Aging well with psychosis. J Aging Stud 2021; 57:100925. [PMID: 34082995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite the unique challenges faced by people living with a severe mental illness, little work has been done to understand how these populations can age well. This study therefore aimed to explore the views of mid to older aged adults living with a psychosis on what it means to age well, and how they might be supported in this endeavor. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen individuals (age 50-74 years) diagnosed with psychosis-related disorders (e.g. schizophrenia). Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Four themes were identified: (i) Engagement with Life - referring to participating in, and maintaining, activities that bring satisfaction and value; (ii) Attitude to Life and Aging - referring to a positive attitude and outlook, and accepting aging-related challenges; (iii) Health and Wellbeing - relating to keeping as physically and mentally fit as possible and (iv) Social Connections - referring to both personal and professional relationships, and feeling heard and understood by others. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Whilst there were clear parallels between these results and those reported from other populations, participants aging with a psychosis revealed challenges, perceptions, and nuances that were unique to their situation. The importance of relationships with professionals, developing a mastery over their mental health difficulties, and the continued impact of stigma on aging well were highlighted. This suggests that approaches that target external societal factors, as well as therapeutic interventions focused on the individual, may help this population to age well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Smart
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Salford Royal Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, Salford, UK.
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jasper Palmier-Claus
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK; Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| | - Laura J E Brown
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
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Degnan A, Berry K, Sweet D, Abel K, Crossley N, Edge D. Social networks and symptomatic and functional outcomes in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2018; 53:873-888. [PMID: 29951929 PMCID: PMC6133157 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-018-1552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the strength of associations between social network size and clinical and functional outcomes in schizophrenia. METHOD Studies were identified from a systematic search of electronic databases (EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) from January 1970 to June 2016. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed English language articles that examined associations between a quantitative measure of network size and symptomatic and/or functional outcome in schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses. RESULTS Our search yielded 16 studies with 1,929 participants. Meta-analyses using random effects models to calculate pooled effect sizes (Hedge's g) found that smaller social network size was moderately associated with more severe overall psychiatric symptoms (N = 5, n = 467, g = - 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = - 0.875, - 0.184, p = 0.003) and negative symptoms (N = 8, n = 577, g = - 0.75, 95% CI = - 0.997, - 0.512, p = 0.000). Statistical heterogeneity was observed I2 = 63.04%; I2 = 35.75%,) which could not be explained by low-quality network measures or sample heterogeneity in sensitivity analyses. There was no effect for positive symptoms (N = 7, n = 405, g = - 0.19, 95% CI = 0.494, 0.110, p = 0.213) or social functioning (N = 3, n = 209, g = 0.36, 95% CI = - 0.078, 0.801, p = 0.107). Narrative synthesis suggested that larger network size was associated with improved global functioning, but findings for affective symptoms and quality of life were mixed. CONCLUSION Psychosocial interventions which support individuals to build and maintain social networks may improve outcomes in schizophrenia. The review findings are cross-sectional and thus causal direction cannot be inferred. Further research is required to examine temporal associations between network characteristics and outcomes in schizophrenia and to test theoretical models relating to explanatory or mediating mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Degnan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building; Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daryl Sweet
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Kathryn Abel
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nick Crossley
- School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dawn Edge
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Wang J, Lloyd-Evans B, Giacco D, Forsyth R, Nebo C, Mann F, Johnson S. Social isolation in mental health: a conceptual and methodological review. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2017; 52:1451-1461. [PMID: 29080941 PMCID: PMC5702385 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-017-1446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Social isolation and related concepts have been discussed increasingly in the field of mental health. Despite this, there is a lack of conceptual clarity and consistency in the definition and operationalisation of these terms. This review aimed to provide a clear framework for social isolation and related concepts, and to identify well-established measures in the field of mental health for each conceptual domain discussed. METHODS We used an iterative strategy of expert consultation and literature searching. A multi-disciplinary group of senior academics was consulted both before and after the literature searching to identify relevant terms, conceptual papers, or recommended measures. Our conceptual framework was also validated through expert consultation. We searched the Web of Science database using terms suggested by experts and subsequently identified further relevant studies through review articles and by reading full texts and reference lists of included studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS We developed a model with five domains incorporating all the concepts relevant to social isolation in regular use in the mental health research literature. These five domains are: social network-quantity; social network-structure; social network-quality; appraisal of relationships-emotional; and appraisal of relationships-resources. We also identified well-developed measures suitable for assessing each of the five conceptual domains or covering multi-domains. CONCLUSIONS Our review proposes a conceptual model to encompass and differentiate all terms relating to social isolation. Potential uses are in allowing researchers and intervention developers to identify precisely the intended outcomes of interventions, and to choose the most appropriate measures to use in mental health settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Domenico Giacco
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development), Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Forsyth
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Cynthia Nebo
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Farhana Mann
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE, UK
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