Objective Social Isolation Predicts Perspective-Taking and Empathic Concern

Perceived social isolation (PSI) predicts adverse health and behaviour problems better than objective social isolation (OSI). PSI is related to higher sensitivity to negative emotional states and emotional dysregulation. Some studies suggest that the more socially isolated people feel, the more sensitive they are to the suffering of others, yet the less empathic they are. However, no study has tested the association between social isolation and empathy while distinguishing their state and trait forms. This study examined how individuals with high- and low-PSI trait perceived and empathized with virtual agents displaying facial expressions. Sixty-six healthy young adults (38 women) were equally divided into high- or low-trait PSI subgroups. All participants reported their current state of PSI and then watched short videos of virtual agents showing facial expressions of physical pain or sadness. For each video, participants rated the perceived intensity of affective states and empathy felt (state empathy). They also completed questionnaires on trait empathy, OSI, moods, and depressive symptomatology. The results showed no effect of group (high- or low-trait PSI), facial expression (pain, sadness), or their interaction on state empathy and intensity mean ratings. However, regression analyses revealed that OSI specifically predicted perspective-taking and empathic concern aspects of trait empathy, whereas trait PSI predicted the personal distress aspect. These findings suggest that social skills may play a role in maintaining and developing relationships but are not linked to one's perception of their quality. This work highlights the importance of differentiating objective from perceived social isolation, given their distinct associations with specific social processes and skills, such as empathy. This distinction could further help develop more targeted interventions to alleviate social isolation.