Social isolation: an underappreciated determinant of physical health
Open accessAbstract
While a sizable body of research demonstrates the associations between social connection and health, much of the recent focus in the broader public and to some extent among academics has been on loneliness, with more objective/structural aspects often assumed to be proxies for more influential relationship factors such as relationship functions and quality. However, evidence suggests the actual presence of others (proximity and regular contact) is essential, and many studies document these structural indicators have just as powerful and, in some cases, more potent effects on indicators of health and well-being. This paper summarizes the evidence on social isolation and health and provides a framework for why social isolation may be a powerful predictor of health and mortality.
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- Premisecitation
Most studies look at components of social connection separately rather than testing their combined or additive effects.
“While this multi-factorial approach has been applied to some extent [5], much of the research does not examine the synergistic or additive influence of these components but instead examines each in parallel with some aspects more commonly examined than others [1].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] 2020
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
The construct of social isolation might reflect a fragile social base that creates considerable vulnerability.
“It proposes that social isolation, as a construct, may represent a weak social foundation leading to significant vulnerability.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Studies have shown that social relationships have long-term consequences for health.
“Over the past several decades, research has amassed documenting the long-term health effects of social relationships [1].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] 2020
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
The significance of social isolation for health and well-being might be undervalued.
“Thus, the relative importance of social isolation for health and well-being may be underappreciated.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Each element of social connection appears to make a meaningful contribution to either health risk or protection.
“The evidence suggests each of the components of social connection significantly contributes to health risk or protection [2,4].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [2] Holt-Lunstad, 2017, Advancing social connection as a public health priority in the United States, Am Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [4] Holt-Lunstad, 2018, Why social relationships are important for physical health: a systems approach to understanding and modifying risk and protection, Annu Rev Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
Taken together, these results imply that isolation may be important for understanding the biological processes behind disease development and progression.
“Together these findings suggest that isolation may contribute significantly to our understanding of the biomechanisms involved in disease development and progression.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
Isolation may also strongly predict health because structural features of relationships tend to be more stable and lasting than measures of relationship function and quality.
“Another reason that social isolation may be such a powerful predictor of health outcomes is because structural aspects of relationships may be relatively more stable and enduring over time than measures of functions and quality of relationships.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
A Finnish study spanning 17 years showed that isolation predicted later death even after accounting for loneliness and other confounders.
“Similarly, a 17-year Finnish study found that social isolation predicted future mortality after controlling for loneliness and potential confounding factors [31].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [31] Tanskanen, 2016, A prospective study of social isolation, loneliness, and mortality in Finland, Am J Publ Health source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
Findings on whether isolation predicts future disease independently of loneliness are inconsistent and complicated.
“The evidence for an association of isolation and future disease that is independent of loneliness is mixed and complex.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premiseown data
Social group interventions showed significant reductions in depression symptoms across RCTs, non-randomized controlled trials, and pre-post evaluations.
“Across these study types, each showed significant reductions in depression symptoms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [47] Dingle, 2021, The effects of social group interventions for depression: systematic review, J Affect Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Relationship functions and quality can be seen as downstream factors that may mediate how relationships affect health.
“The functions and quality of relationships may be conceptualized as downstream effects that may mediate the influence of relationships on health status [44].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [44] Berkman, 2000, From social integration to health: durkheim in the new millennium, Soc Sci Med source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies showed that components of isolation, such as low social activity and limited networks, were significantly related to worse cognitive function in later life.
“When examining cognitive outcomes, a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that aspects of social isolation, including low levels of social activity and inadequate social networks, were significantly associated with poorer cognitive function in later life [35].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [35] Evans, 2019, Social isolation and cognitive function in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis, J Alzheimers Dis source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Effect sizes for social group interventions, ranging from small to large, matched those of other evidence-based depression treatments like CBT.
“The small to large effect sizes reported for social group interventions were equivalent to other evidence-based approaches to treat depression such as CBT.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [47] Dingle, 2021, The effects of social group interventions for depression: systematic review, J Affect Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
When the social base is missing due to few relationships or little contact-that is, social isolation-there may be little chance for relationship functions and quality to affect health.
“If this social foundation is absent because few relationships exist or there is little contact with others (i.e., social isolation), there may be little or no opportunity for these other relationship components (functions and quality) to influence health.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
No single factor can fully capture how social influences affect health.
“No one component will adequately capture the full scope of social influence on health.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Evidence is increasing for links between social isolation and biological pathways that contribute to disease, including cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune, and epigenetic mechanisms.
“There is also a growing body of evidence documenting the association between social isolation and biological mechanisms that elicit the development of health conditions, including cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune functioning [5], and molecular epigenetic underpinnings [39].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [5] Yang, 2016, Social relationships and physiological determinants of longevity across the human life span, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [39] Arzate-Mejía, 2020, Long-term impact of social isolation and molecular underpinnings, Front Genet source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
The longer-lasting a social connection factor is, the more likely it is to have lasting health effects.
“The more chronic a component of social connection is, the greater the potential for enduring effects on health.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Having social relationships and roles, along with regular contact with others, forms the basis for how relationships may affect health.
“The existence of social relationships and roles, and frequency of contact with others, provides the foundation for how relationships can potentially influence health (see figure 1).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Isolation may be crucial because a fragile structural base can restrict how other social connection factors influence health downstream.
“isolation may be a critical component because a weak structural foundation may limit the potential of other social connection factors to have downstream effects on health.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Among studies that looked at both isolation and loneliness, nearly all found isolation independently predicted early death.
“In all but one of these studies [32], social isolation was demonstrated to be an independent predictor of premature mortality.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [32] Holwerda, 2012, Increased risk of mortality associated with social isolation in older men: only when feeling lonely? Results from the Amsterdam Study of the Elderly (AMSTEL), Psychol Med source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
Accumulating evidence indicates that isolation predicts death independently of loneliness.
“While not entirely consistent, growing evidence suggests that isolation predicts mortality independent of loneliness.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Isolation limits the chances for physical, emotional, and cognitive needs to be fulfilled.
“Thus, social isolation reduces the opportunity for these needs to be met.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Social ties influence health and well-being through meeting physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
- Interpretationreasoning
Because many features of isolation persist, they may be hard to change in order to lower health risks.
“The enduring nature of many features of social isolation also may make them very difficult to modify to reduce health risks.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
If the base is thin, threats such as death, relocation, or pandemics can remove sources of support, resources, influence, satisfaction, and purpose.
“When this foundation is slim, any threats to existing relationships, roles, or contact (e.g., death, relocation, pandemics, etc.) can eliminate potential sources of downstream support, tangible resources, influence, satisfaction, and purpose.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Research from many fields and outcomes shows that social isolation matters for understanding how relationships affect health risk, chronic disease, and death from any cause.
“Evidence across diverse disciplines and diverse outcomes demonstrate the importance of social isolation in understanding the full scope of influence that relationships have on health risk, chronic illness, and all-cause mortality.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- May combine two claims. 23
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 4
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe physical presence of others, including proximity and frequent contact, appears essential, and structural measures can have effects on health and well-being that are as strong or stronger than other relationship features.
“Nonetheless, evidence suggests the actual presence of others-including the existence of relationships and roles, proximity, and regular contact--is a powerful, in some cases stronger predictor of health than other aspects of relationships [2,10].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [2] Holt-Lunstad, 2017, Advancing social connection as a public health priority in the United States, Am Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [10] Steptoe, 2013, Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPeople are social beings, and being near others and engaging in social behavior is vital for development, reproduction, health, and survival.
“Humans are a social species, and the proximity of others and social behavior is critical for development, reproduction, health, and survival [11].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [11] Chen, 2018, Neural circuit mechanisms of social behavior, Neuron source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationMultiple large epidemiological studies show strong links between social isolation and death, with effect sizes similar to those of standard clinical risk factors.
“Since then, several large-scale epidemiological studies have documented robust associations between social isolation and mortality [17][18][19][20][21], demonstrating effects comparable to traditional clinical risk factors [22].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [17] Park, 2021, Association of social isolation of long-term care facilities in the United States with 30-day mortality, JAMA Netw Open source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [22] Pantell, 2013, Social isolation: a predictor of mortality comparable to traditional clinical risk factors, Am J Publ Health source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIsolated animals face higher risks for harmful outcomes such as death, poorer stroke recovery, and changes in gut microbiome.
“These studies show that animals housed in isolation are at greater risk for various deleterious outcomes, including mortality, recovery from a stroke [12], and alterations in the gut microbiome [13].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [12] Verma, 2016, Reversal of the detrimental effects of post-stroke social isolation by pair-housing is mediated by activation of BDNF-MAPK/ERK in aged mice, Sci Rep source
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- cites [13] Donovan, 2020, Social isolation alters behavior, the gut-immune-brain axis, and neurochemical circuits in male and female prairie voles, Neurobiol Stress source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
PremisecitationA model of social connection that includes structure, function, and quality is essential for grasping the pathways that lead to health risk or protection.
“These findings have led some researchers to propose a multi-factorial approach to social connections, including the structure, function, and quality of relationships, which is critical in understanding the full scope of potential pathways to health risk when insufficient and heath protection when present [2,4].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [2] Holt-Lunstad, 2017, Advancing social connection as a public health priority in the United States, Am Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [4] Holt-Lunstad, 2018, Why social relationships are important for physical health: a systems approach to understanding and modifying risk and protection, Annu Rev Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningSocial isolation is a key element within a multi-factorial model of social connection and carries substantial independent risk for health and mortality.
“It argues that social isolation is a critical factor in a broader multi-factorial conceptualization of social connection that conveys significant independent risk to health and mortality.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn the Amsterdam Longitudinal Study of Ageing, loneliness, not isolation, predicted death among men but not women.
“By contrast, the Amsterdam Longitudinal Study of Ageing found loneliness rather than isolation predicted mortality in men but not women [32].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [32] Holwerda, 2012, Increased risk of mortality associated with social isolation in older men: only when feeling lonely? Results from the Amsterdam Study of the Elderly (AMSTEL), Psychol Med source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationA recent expert consensus report concluded that the strongest evidence for isolation and morbidity concerns cardiovascular and mental health, with less research on other outcomes.
“Generally, according to a recent expert consensus report, the evidence linking social isolation to morbidity outcomes is strongest for the association between social isolation and cardiovascular and mental health outcomes, with fewer studies examining relationships to other health outcomes [1].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] 2020
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationA meta-analysis of 70 prospective studies reported that social isolation was linked to a 29% higher risk of premature death from any cause, while loneliness was linked to a 26% higher risk.
“For example, one meta-analysis of 70 prospective studies found that social isolation was associated with 29% and loneliness a 26% increased risk for premature mortality from all causes [23].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [23] Holt-Lunstad, 2015, Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review, Perspect Psychol Sci source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationStudies show that isolation alters immune responses and promotes inflammation.
“For example, research demonstrates social isolation modulates immune responses and induces inflammation [40,41].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [40] Powell, 2013, Social stress up-regulates inflammatory gene expression in the leukocyte transcriptome via β-adrenergic induction of myelopoiesis, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A source
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- cites [41] Cole, 2015, Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationOne study found that both isolation (measured by small network size) and loneliness independently predicted weaker antibody responses to flu vaccination, and those who were both isolated and lonely had the weakest response.
“In one study, social isolation (as indicated by small network size) and loneliness were both independently associated with lower antibody responses to an influenza vaccine; however, those who were both lonely and isolated had the lowest antibody response [42].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [42] Pressman, 2005, Loneliness, social network size, and immune response to influenza vaccination in college freshmen, Health Psychol source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationWhile single indicators like living alone have been linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk, broader isolation measures have not been associated with diabetes onset.
“For example, although individual components of isolation, such as living alone, have been associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes [37] more comprehensive measures have not been associated with diabetes onset [38].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [37] Meisinger, 2009, Living alone is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men but not women from the general population: the MONICA/KORA Augsburg Cohort Study, Psychosom Med source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [38] Hackett, 2020, Loneliness and type 2 diabetes incidence: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, Diabetologia source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn over 450,000 UK Biobank participants, neither isolation nor loneliness predicted a first heart attack, but isolation did predict death among those with prior cardiovascular disease or stroke.
“For example, an analysis of more than 450,000 participants in the UK Biobank tested associations between social isolation, loneliness, and acute myocardial infarction (MI). Neither factor was associated with first MI, but social isolation predicted mortality among people with a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke [29].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] Hakulinen, 2018, Social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for myocardial infarction, stroke and mortality: UK Biobank cohort study of 479 054 men and women, Heart source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationA meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that both isolation and loneliness raised the risk of new coronary heart disease and stroke, with no indication that either was more strongly linked to disease onset.
“In a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies of social isolation and loneliness and cardiovascular outcomes, both social isolation and loneliness were found to significantly increase the risk for new CHD and stroke, with no evidence that one was more strongly related to disease incidence than the other [33].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [33] Valtorta, 2016, Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies, Heart source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThree waves of nationally representative data indicate that network size, non-kin ties, and community involvement remain stable.
“Data from three waves of nationally representative data shows size of one's network, non-kin ties, and community involvement to be stable [45].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [45] Cornwall, 2021, Homeostasis revisited: patterns of stability and rebalancing in older adults' social lives, J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci source
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May combine two claims.
PremisecitationFindings on group-based interventions are inconsistent and may require tailoring to individual needs.
“However, the evidence on group-based interventions is mixed [1] and may need to be tailored to be more responsive to individual needs [1].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] 2020
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
InterpretationreasoningThese findings do not reduce the importance of relationship functions or quality.
“The evidence does not diminish the importance of relationship functions (e.g., social support) or quality (e.g., relationship satisfaction, loneliness).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationA meta-analysis of over 2.3 million participants from cohort and case-control studies found isolation raised dementia risk, whereas loneliness was not significantly linked to risk.
“A meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies involving more than 2.3 million participants found that social isolation was associated with increased risk for dementia while loneliness was not significantly associated with risk [36].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [36] Penninkilampi, 2018, The association between social engagement, loneliness, and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, J Alzheim Dis
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningA structural base is required, though it might not be enough on its own.
“In other words, the structural foundation is necessary but may not be sufficient.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningAs the structural base becomes narrower or gaps widen, a person becomes more isolated, and other social components may become more fragile and vulnerable.
“The narrower the foundation and/or the wider any gaps, the more socially isolated an individual is, and the more tenuous and vulnerable the other social components may become.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationA Chinese study of 1,267 older adults with cardiovascular disease found isolation predicted higher ten-year mortality after adjusting for other risk factors, whereas loneliness did not.
“An investigation of 1,267 older people with cardiovascular disease in China reported that social isolation was linked to increased mortality risk over ten years after taking other risk factors into account, while loneliness was not [27].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [27] Yu, 2020, Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: a 10-year follow-up study, Psychosom Med source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe overall effect sizes for isolation and loneliness on mortality did not differ statistically, indicating they may predict death risk equally well.
“Despite these relative differences, the aggregate effect sizes were not statistically different, suggesting both social isolation and loneliness may equivalently predict mortality risk.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [23] Holt-Lunstad, 2015, Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review, Perspect Psychol Sci source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationOther evidence indicates that isolation is linked to greater inflammation, while loneliness is linked to worse inflammation regulation, implying that objective and subjective social factors may act through distinct biological routes.
“Additional evidence further suggests aspects of social isolation were associated with higher levels of inflammation, whereas loneliness was associated with poorer regulation of inflammation, suggesting objective and subjective aspects of social connections may influence different biological pathways [43].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [43] Walker, 2019, Social engagement and loneliness are differentially associated with neuro-immune markers in older age: time-varying associations from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, Brain Behav Immun source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
InterpretationreasoningSocial isolation should be included as a key and necessary part of a multi-factorial model of social health and health risk.
“Instead, it underscores the evidence supporting the inclusion of social isolation as a significant and necessary component of the multi-factorial understanding of social health and health risk.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationEvidence is accumulating that links social isolation to nonfatal health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and worse cognitive function.
“There is also a growing body of evidence relating social isolation with nonfatal physical health outcomes, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke [33], pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes [34], and poorer cognitive functioning [35].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [33] Valtorta, 2016, Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies, Heart source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [34] Brinkhues, 2017, Socially isolated individuals are more prone to have newly diagnosed and prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus - the Maastricht study, BMC Publ Health source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [35] Evans, 2019, Social isolation and cognitive function in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis, J Alzheimers Dis source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationSocial group interventions have been shown to increase social connection, improve mental health, and help manage mild to moderate depression.
“Interventions involving social groups demonstrate effects of greater social connection, better mental health [46], and better management of mild-moderate depression [47].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [46] Haslam, 2016, Groups 4 Health: evidence that a social-identity intervention that builds and strengthens social group membership improves mental health, J Affect Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [47] Dingle, 2021, The effects of social group interventions for depression: systematic review, J Affect Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
Social ties influence health and well-being through meeting physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
“Social relationships affect health and well-being via fulfilling a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
We have strictly delineated between structural, functional, and quality markers of social connections.
“We have strictly delineated between structural, functional, and quality markers of social connections.3”
From Associations between social connections and cognition: a global collaborative individual participant data meta-analysis (2022) · cites this paper as [3]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Conflicting sample sizes for the same study
MinorThe discussion describes study [27] as involving 1,267 people, but the annotation for reference [27] says the cohort had 1,265 patients.
“An investigation of 1,267 older people with cardiovascular disease in China reported that social isolation was linked to increased mortality risk over ten years after taking other risk factors into account, while loneliness was not [27].”
“In a 10 year follow-up of a Tawanes cohort of 1265 patients with CHD, social isolation and loneliness were both evaluated as predictors of mortality.”
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- Authors
- Holt-Lunstad, J., & Steptoe, A.
- Affiliations
- University College London (GB)
- Venue
- Current Opinion in Psychology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2022-02
- Volume
- 43
- Pages
- 232-237
- ISSN
- 2352-250X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3185007021
- Semantic Scholar
- 87f945e92cc5abfb363625289c5e0892d3557383
- Cited by
- 216
- References
- 47
- Citations by year
- 2026: 49 · 2025: 61 · 2024: 48 · 2023: 34 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 1
- FWCI
- 2.85
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- discovery.ucl.ac.uk
- Licence
- Locations
- Current Opinion in Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
- Keywords
- social isolation, physical health, mortality, social connectedness, loneliness, social proximity, social contact, well-being, relationship quality
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Loneliness, Social Isolation
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-05.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-05.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
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