Social Isolation and Vulnerable Populations

Social Isolation and its Negative Impacts on Vulnerable Populations

Jaydon KalaI Masao Wai-Hong Ahue
Culminating Project

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Annotated Bibliography
This topic has significance due to the idea that social isolation leads to a number of
negative results and outcomes. These things can be depression, addictive behaviors/tendencies,
suicide, and mental health conditions. Having and or experiencing any type of social
disconnection, speaks to the existing social structure. It is therefore important for professionals to
recognize social isolation, its causes, as well as its symptoms. By doing so, professionals will be
better equipped at addressing the structures that perpetuate social isolation, which indirectly is
responsible for a number of negative outcomes. How are various populations experiencing social
isolation? What is being done to address social isolation?
Article Title
The perfectionism social disconnection model: The mediating role of communication styles
Reference:
Barnett, M. D., & Johnson, D. M. (2016). The perfectionism social disconnection model: The
mediating role of communication styles. Personality And Individual Differences, 94200
205. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2016.01.017
Annotation:
This study examines the effects communication styles have on the perfectionism social
disconnection model (PSDM). The study took 813 participants and measured three facets
maladaptive perfectionism, communication styles and perceived social support. The study used
three separate scales, The Almost Perfect Scale (Perfectionism), The communication styles
inventory (Communication styles), and The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
(Social Support) Results revealed that individuals with higher levels of perfectionism was
negatively correlated with perceived social support and emotional expression. Perfectionism
decreases individuals ability to access and interact social, effecting communication further
impacting social connection.

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This is study is important because it supports the social disconnection model, by studying
communication patterns which isnt commonly researched. This study helps to recognize social
patterns that lead to and/or are products of maladaptive perfectionism. While the study was
limited to college students, the study expands on the research and work done in relation to
PSDM and social isolation.
Article Title
I dont want to be alone
Reference:
Bradley, P. (2015). I don't want to be alone. British Journal Of Healthcare Assistants, 9(8), 408
411 4p.
Annotation:
This report looked at the correlation between social relationships and subjective wellbeing. The
article particularly focuses on the problem of low life satisfaction and wellbeing in older people.
The report found that most socially isolated individuals have consistently lower levels of
subjective wellbeing. Size of social network and frequency of contact with social network are
positively associated with individual wellbeing. The report presented policy recommendations
that aims to have a holistic approach addressing individuals, voluntary and community sector,
employers, local government and national government.
This report has significance in that it displays the effects of social isolation on marginalized
individuals. Along with the informative perspective, the report also offers solutions that might
work to improve social structures. The offered policies address conditions on the micro, meso
and macro levels. In this, they acknowledge the complexities of social isolation while offering
solutions.
Article Title

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Validity and Reliability of the Internalized Sitgma of Smoking Inventory: An Exploration of

Shame, Isolation, and Discrimination in Smokers with Mental Health Diagnoses
Reference:
Brown-Johnson, C. G., Cataldo, J. K., Orozco, N., Lisha, N. E., Hickman 3rd, N. J., Prochaska,
J. J., & Hickman, N. 3. (2015). Validity and reliability of the Internalized Stigma of
Smoking Inventory: An exploration of shame, isolation, and discrimination in smokers
with mental health diagnoses.American Journal On Addictions, 24(5), 410-418 9p.
doi:10.1111/ajad.12215
Annotation:
This study addresses the de-normalization of smokings impact on creating shame and isolation
to vulnerable groups unable to quit. They evaluated smoking stigma through the Internalized
Stigma of Smoking Inventory (ISSI). Three factors were produced, self-stigma, felt stigma and
discrimination experiences. These factors reflected perceptions of stigma and social isolation
experienced by participants. Of these three factors, discrimination was the most common factor
experienced. While self-stigma was experienced most by individuals with the intent of quitting.
Aspects of smoking stigma creates and perpetuates shame, isolation and discrimination. Results
found that ISSI scales were significantly associated with aspects of smoking stigma, and that
stigma was higher in Caucasians, women and those with higher education.
This study is important in that it recognizes how stigma compounded with other outside factors,
being unhelpful for smokers. It recognizes the de-normalization as a public health strategy,
having unintended negative effects on those struggling with cigarette addiction and/or tobacco
use.
Article Title
Quality of life and social inclusion across the lifespan: challenges and recommendations
Reference:

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Brown, R. I., Cobigo, V., & Taylor, W. D. (2015). Quality of life and social inclusion across the
lifespan: challenges and recommendations. International Journal Of Developmental
Disabilities, 61(2), 93-100 8p. doi:10.1179/2047386914Z.00000000092
Annotation:
This article recognizes quality of life and social inclusion as they operate independently from one
another and parallel to each other. Specifically this article explores the impact of these concepts
upon the intellectual and developmental disabled populations. Quality of life involves an
increasing number of principles that are essential for community living. Social inclusion gained
influence when expressing values and social justice to protect individuals within these contexts.
While social exclusion is a result of a process leading to a rupture of social bonds in society. The
article concludes that quality of life and social inclusion operate in parallel to each other in
developing effective policies and practices.
This article has importance in that it recognizes components to healthy communities, and ways in
which policies can be made to perpetuate effective work and effective change. Generally, the
article focuses on ways we can move past policies and into practices in order to create social
structures that are inclusive of diversity.
Article Title
Social isolation and loneliness in the elderly: an exploration of some of the issues
Reference:
Dury, R. (2014). Social isolation and loneliness in the elderly: an exploration of some of the
issues. British Journal Of Community Nursing, 19(3), 125-128 4p.
Annotation:
This article focuses on social isolation in elderly populations, the causes and proposed solutions.
The article presented causes for isolation unique to age, and unique to changing social structures.
The article presented two models and services that work towards alleviating isolation. The

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mentoring model forms a relationship between a volunteer and an individual on a sort term basis.
In this, the volunteer supports the individual on agreed upon life changes. The befriending model
creates a one to one relationship, who work in a caregiving role.
This article has importance in recognizing models that help to alleviate isolation in elderly
populations, while also acknowledging the financial strain solutions tend to have. These models
have found success amongst voluntary organizations, in decreasing isolation thereby improving
individual quality of life and wellbeing. These models are effective and affordable solutions to
addressing social isolation and loneliness.
Article Title
Relationships between Social Connectedness and Spirituality and Depression and Perceived
Health Status of Rural Residents
Reference:
Galloway, A. P., & Henry, M. (2014). Relationships between Social Connectedness and
Spirituality and Depression and Perceived Health Status of Rural Residents. Online
Journal Of Rural Nursing & Health Care, 14(2), 43-79 37p.
doi:10.14574/ojrnhc.v14i2.325
Annotation:
This study examines the relationship between social determinants of health, social connectedness
and spirituality on self-reported depression. The study surveyed a sample of 144 rural residents at
local events. The survey looked at five components, demographics, social connectedness,
spiritual perspective, depression and perceived health. Results found that the more socially
connected a person felt they were more likely to perceived as physically and mentally healthy.
These findings were consistent with similar studies that suggest a lack of social connectedness
has detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

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This study is important because it looks at social connectedness and its relationship to resources
and/or the lack of resources in rural communities. This study highlights the importance of
creating support systems universally so that improved physical and mental health found for
individuals. The speaker primarily focused on improvements that can be done within the nursing
system, and the relational improvement they would have on the communities.
Article Title
Addiction as a complex social process: an action theoretical perspective
Reference:
Graham, M., Young, R., Valach, L., & Wood, R. (2008). Addiction as a complex social process:
an action theoretical perspective. Addiction Research & Theory, 16(2), 121-133 13p.
Annotation:
This article approach towards addiction relies on the perception that addiction is a product of a
complex social process. The speaker made synthesized theoretical positions and understandings
that expands perception of addiction past the neurobiological level. Using the contextual action
theory on a case scenario with an addicted patient. The approach highlighted the correlation
between the patients involvements to complex socially constructed processes. Based on the
results, its proposed to understand addiction as a goal orientated action, theoretical
understandings of addiction flesh out relational understanding, and contextual action theory helps
to integrate goals out of addiction.
This article proposes that in order to effectively address addiction, we must first
understand/include within the discussion the social complexes involved within addiction. With
this being said the article focuses on social implications such as social isolation, emotion,
behaviors, etc. as having a larger role within addiction.
Article Title

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How Local Interventions Can Build Capacity to Address Social Isolation in Dispersed Rural
Communities: A Case Study from Northern Ireland.
Reference:
Heenan, D. (2011). How Local Interventions Can Build Capacity to Address Social Isolation in
Dispersed Rural Communities: A Case Study from Northern Ireland. Ageing
International,36(4), 475-491 17p. doi:10.1007/s12126-010-9095-7
Annotation:
This article looks to study the correlation between social networks on the emotional and physical
wellbeings of individuals. This study looks particularly at the lack of social interaction and the
erosion of social contacts as they have contributed to serious issues within rural communities.
The study acknowledged that social isolation is less prevalent in rural areas, due to having a
stronger sense of community. This study uses Capacity building, consisting of knowledge
building, leadership, and network building, valuing community and supporting information as
components to recognizing social inclusion. Results state, that while communities and culture are
relative and unique, meaningful programs must be well informed to local needs and aspirations.
This article has significance in recognizing the importance social inclusion has on individual
emotional and physical health. Additionally the article discusses qualities healthy communities
have, that help to sustain social inclusion. With this being said, its important to consider
components that are necessary to create effective and sustainable change within communities.
Article Title
Development of a Community Commitment Scale with Cross-sectional Survey Validation for
Preventing Social Isolation in Older Japanese People
Reference:
Kono, A., Tadaka, E., Kanaya, Y., Dai, Y., Itoi, W., & Imamatsu, Y. (2012). Development of a
Community Commitment Scale with Cross-sectional Survey Validation for Preventing
Social Isolation in Older Japanese People. BMC Public Health, 12(1), 903-903 1p.
doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-903

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Annotation:
This study was a pilot test of 266 Japanese urban residents that tested 24 identified items, 12
items were selected for the Community Commitment Scale (CCS), based on a 4 point Likerttype scale. The CCS aimed to distinguish levels of social inclusion experienced by elderly
individuals above the age of 55. Results showed that participants scored low in factors related to
socializing and belonging. Results did however reveal that individuals who are committed to
their communities were more effective at preventing social isolation.
This articles significance is found in that it addresses social isolation. In relation to the elderly
Japanese population social isolation leads to extremely limited social support, contributes to
higher risks of disability, poor recovery from illness, and early death. This study recognizes the
effects social isolation has on a community level, and addresses tools we can use to detect it.
Article Title
The Phenomenon of Social Isolation in the Severely Mentally Ill
Reference:
Linz, S. J., & Sturm, B. A. (2013). The Phenomenon of Social Isolation in the Severely Mentally
Ill. Perspectives In Psychiatric Care, 49(4), 243-254 12p. doi:10.1111/ppc.12010
Annotation:
This article addresses social isolation in relation to having a severe mental illness (SMI). The
article examined isolation and alienation experienced by individuals with SMI with a historical,
theoretical perspective as well as the current relevance to nursing. The article found that stigma,
alienation and existential loneliness together help to explain for a conceptual understanding for
social isolation amongst this population. Additionally, due to the reality that many patients live
alone the article addresses the implications on the nursing field. The article states the role of the
nursing professional, in helping to develop a sense of community belonging

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This article is important because it recognizes social isolation in relation to SMI. In recognizing
this, the article moves towards providing services that strives to create connections with people
who experience SMI. The article proposed creating programs and services that work towards the
development of skills that would promote community involvement.
Article Title
Scoping review of the exclusion and inclusion of rural newcomers in community participation
Reference:
Patten, E., O'Meara, P., & DicksonSwift, V. (2015). Scoping review of the exclusion and
inclusion of rural newcomers in community participation. The Australian Journal Of
Rural Health, 23(3), 127-135. doi:10.1111/ajr.12188
Annotation:
This review of literature analyzed 12 articles and structured the findings into three themes,
interpersonal, socio-cultural norms and structural processes of inclusion and exclusion. Research
found that typically newcomers experience hostile verbal interactions that work towards
deterring newcomers from participation. While casual social actions serve as crucial
components to community inclusion. Research found that rural communities generally have
relative fear of outsiders and perceived differences. Within this theme, trust was found to be a
crucial component towards being accepted. Research acknowledged limited deliberate
community strategies that aimed to enhance community inclusion. The article referred to the
difference of meaningful and a genuine desire to engage versus simple involvement of
newcomers.
This article is important, in that it provides an insightful synthesis of information referring to
components to inclusion. It explains the process of inclusion and the effort required to achieve
real inclusion, while also recognizing the barriers that exist that intentionally or unintentionally
exclude individuals.

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Article Title
Perfectionistic Self-Presentation, Socially prescribed Perfectionism, and Suicide in Youth: A Test
of the Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model
Reference:
Roxborough, H., Hewitt, P., Kaldas, J., Flett, G., Caelian, C., Sherry, S., & Sherry, D. (2012).
Perfectionistic self-presentation, socially prescribed perfectionism, and suicide in youth:
a test of the perfectionism social disconnection model.Suicide & Life-Threatening
Behavior, 42(2), 217-233 17p. doi:10.1111/j.1943-278X.2012.00084.x
Annotation:
This study looks at the role perfectionism has on suicide amongst adolescents in the United
States. The article describes perfectionism is having a need or drive to be perfect or to appear so
to others. The article presents the Perfectionism social disconnection model that states
perfectionism produces interpersonal problems that can lead to social disconnection and
alienation. This study took 158 adolescents who took a 30-item self-report to measure risks for
suicidal behavior in correlation to a social disconnection rating. Results revealed that all of their
interpersonal components of perfectionism were significantly correlated with suicide risk.
This studys importance is in the reality that it recognizes a correlation to social ideologies and
the impacts they have on society. This study essentially is useful in assessing for risk in suicide,
through many of the variables that come alongside perfectionism. It is useful in accounting for
and understanding social models and outcomes with youth.
Article Title
Social Disconnection and Hazardous Drinking Mediate the Link Between Perfectionistic
Attitudes and Depressive Symptoms.
Reference:
Sherry, S. B., Hewitt, P. L., Stewart, S. H., Mackinnon, A. L., Mushquash, A. R., Flett, G. L., &
Sherry, D. L. (2012). Social disconnection and hazardous drinking mediate the link
between perfectionistic attitudes and depressive symptoms. Journal Of Psychopathology
And Behavioral Assessment, 34(3), 370-381. doi:10.1007/s10862-012-9291-8

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Annotation:
This study used a cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaire on 216 college students.
The study looked to measure the relationship between social disconnection, hazardous drinking
and depressive symptoms. The 26 item scale addressed perfectionistic attitudes, and was done
over the course of 18 months. Results revealed perfectionistic attitudes correlated with social
disconnection, hazardous drinking and depressive symptoms. Social disconnection was
positively correlated with hazardous drinking and hazardous drinking was positively correlated
with depressive symptoms.
This study is important because it works towards expanding the perfectionism social
disconnection model (PSDM). The article suggests individuals with high perfectionistic attitude
rely on approval and worth from social world. Hazardous drinking is seen as a method to
temporarily escape harsh self-criticism. The article acknowledges other coping mechanisms
used, that can contribute towards serious depressive symptoms. The study is able to synthesis
these three topics cohesively, moving towards a greater understanding of PSDM.
Article Title
Perfectionism, discrepancies, and depression: Testing the perfectionism social disconnection
model in a short-term, four wave longitudinal study
Reference
Sherry, S. B., MacKinnon, A. L., Fossum, K., Antony, M. M., Stewart, S. H., Sherry, D. L., & ...
Mushquash, A. R. (2013). Perfectionism, discrepancies, and depression: Testing the
perfectionism social disconnection model in a short-term, four-wave longitudinal
study. Personality And Individual Differences, 54(6), 692-697.
doi:10.1016/j.paid.2012.11.017
Annotation
This study tested perceived interpersonal discrepancies had relation to perfectionistic concerns
and depressive symptoms. The study took 240 participants using the mediational model, using a

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four-wave, 4-week longitudinal design. The study measured perfectionistic concerns,

perfectionistic strivings, interpersonal discrepancies and depressive symptoms. Results found
that across all four waves, perfectionistic concerns were significantly correlated with
interpersonal discrepancies and depressive symptoms. Interpersonal discrepancies and depressive
symptoms were significantly correlated with each other.
The study supported the perfectionism social disconnection model (PSDM). Findings revealed a
cycle of social disconnection and depression; that PSDM indirectly and directly perpetuates
social disconnection and depression. The results help researchers and professionals understand
the social world, and implications of the PSDM on individual mental health. The study
recognizes that perceptions held by individuals who have high perfectionistic concerns, and the
implications those perceptions have internally and on a communal level.
Article Title
Family and social aspects associated with depression among older persons in a Chinese context
Reference:
Zeng, W., North, N., & Kent, B. (2013). Family and social aspects associated with depression
among older persons in a Chinese context. International Journal Of Older People
Nursing, 8(4), 299-308 10p. doi:10.1111/opn.12006
Annotation:
This study looks to observe the correlation between depression and social structures in the older
Chinese population. The study interviewed individuals above 65 years of age with the presence
of depression. Of the 31 participants, results revealed issues in regards to being in conflict with
adult children, being neglected by children, being widowed and being neglected by friends as big
factors to depression, a product of social isolation. These circumstances along with depression
were found to contribute to negative thinking patterns of self, family and community.

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This study is important due to depression leading to social stigmatization and isolation within the
Asian culture. Mainly, this study recognized themes that are inter-related, reflecting the
importance of family and community structures. While the collection of data creates limitations,
the implications for further research and investigation is here.

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References
Barnett, M. D., & Johnson, D. M. (2016). The perfectionism social disconnection
model: The mediating
role of communication styles. Personality And Individual
Differences, 94200-205. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2016.01.017
Bradley, P. (2015). I don't want to be alone. British Journal Of Healthcare
Assistants, 9(8), 408-411 4p.
Brown-Johnson, C. G., Cataldo, J. K., Orozco, N., Lisha, N. E., Hickman 3rd, N. J.,
Prochaska, J. J., & Hickman, N. 3. (2015). Validity and reliability of the Internalized
Stigma of Smoking Inventory: An
exploration of shame, isolation, and
discrimination in smokers with mental health diagnoses.American Journal On
Addictions, 24(5), 410-418 9p. doi:10.1111/ajad.12215
Brown, R. I., Cobigo, V., & Taylor, W. D. (2015). Quality of life and social inclusion
across the lifespan:challenges and recommendations. International Journal Of
Developmental Disabilities, 61(2), 93 100 8p.
doi:10.1179/2047386914Z.00000000092
Dury, R. (2014). Social isolation and loneliness in the elderly: an exploration of some
of the issues. British
Journal Of Community Nursing, 19(3), 125-128 4p.
Galloway, A. P., & Henry, M. (2014). Relationships between Social Connectedness
and Spirituality and
Depression and Perceived Health Status of Rural
Residents. Online Journal Of Rural Nursing & Health Care, 14(2), 43-79 37p.
doi:10.14574/ojrnhc.v14i2.325
Graham, M., Young, R., Valach, L., & Wood, R. (2008). Addiction as a complex social
process: an action theoretical perspective. Addiction Research & Theory, 16(2),
121-133 13p.
Heenan, D. (2011). How Local Interventions Can Build Capacity to Address Social
Isolation in Dispersed
Rural Communities: A Case Study from Northern
Ireland. Ageing International,36(4), 475-491 17p. doi:10.1007/s12126-010-9095-7
Kono, A., Tadaka, E., Kanaya, Y., Dai, Y., Itoi, W., & Imamatsu, Y. (2012). Development
of a Community
Commitment Scale with Cross-sectional Survey Validation for
Preventing Social Isolation in Older
Japanese People. BMC Public Health, 12(1),
903-903 1p. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-903
Linz, S. J., & Sturm, B. A. (2013). The Phenomenon of Social Isolation in the Severely
Mentally
Ill. Perspectives In Psychiatric Care, 49(4), 243-254 12p.
doi:10.1111/ppc.12010
Patten, E., O'Meara, P., & DicksonSwift, V. (2015). Scoping review of the exclusion
and inclusion of rural
newcomers in community participation. The Australian
Journal Of Rural Health, 23(3), 127-135.
doi:10.1111/ajr.12188
Roxborough, H., Hewitt, P., Kaldas, J., Flett, G., Caelian, C., Sherry, S., & Sherry, D.
(2012). Perfectionistic
self-presentation, socially prescribed perfectionism, and
suicide in youth: a test of the
perfectionism social disconnection model.Suicide &

Social Isolation and Vulnerable Populations

16
Life-Threatening Behavior, 42(2), 217-233
278X.2012.00084.x

17p. doi:10.1111/j.1943-

Sherry, S. B., Hewitt, P. L., Stewart, S. H., Mackinnon, A. L., Mushquash, A. R., Flett,
G. L., & Sherry, D. L.
(2012). Social disconnection and hazardous drinking
mediate the link between perfectionistic
attitudes and depressive
symptoms. Journal Of Psychopathology And Behavioral
Assessment, 34(3), 370381. doi:10.1007/s10862-012-9291-8
Sherry, S. B., MacKinnon, A. L., Fossum, K., Antony, M. M., Stewart, S. H., Sherry, D.
L., & ... Mushquash,
A. R. (2013). Perfectionism, discrepancies, and
depression: Testing the perfectionism social
Zeng, W., North, N., & Kent, B. (2013). Family and social aspects associated with
depression among older persons in a Chinese context. International Journal Of
Older People Nursing, 8(4), 299-308 10p.
doi:10.1111/opn.12006