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Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
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Social isolation in older adults: an evolutionary concept analysis
1School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Nicholas.Nicholson@yale.edu
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Social isolation in older adults lacks clear definition, hindering intervention development. This analysis clarifies its attributes and antecedents, providing a foundation for future research and improved understanding of this growing public health issue.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Nursing
Background:
- Social isolation is a significant and increasing concern for older adults.
- Strong links exist between social isolation and adverse health outcomes.
- Lack of conceptual clarity impedes the development of effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a concept analysis of social isolation experienced by older adults.
- To clarify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of social isolation in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science (1983-2007).
- Keywords included: social isolation, social networks, older adults, elderly, social integration.
- Evolutionary concept analysis methodology applied to selected publications.
Main Results:
- Identified five key attributes: number of contacts, sense of belonging, relationship quality, social engagement, and network composition.
- Antecedents include relationship deficits, psychological/physical barriers, resource limitations, and environmental factors.
- Proposed Roy's Adaptation Model as a theoretical framework for social isolation.
Conclusions:
- Existing definitions of social isolation lack uniformity, consistency, and clarity.
- Conceptual ambiguity hinders the advancement of research and intervention strategies.
- This analysis offers a clearer understanding and a basis for future research on social isolation in older adults.
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