The relationship between objective and subjective social isolation and well-being: a national cross-sectional survey...

Social isolation is increasingly recognised as a public health issue with wide ranging impacts on health and well-being. However, research examining links with health and well-being often focuses on subjective or objective forms of isolation without considering combined associations.

Data were collected through a national public health panel survey in Wales, UK (n = 2,042 residents aged 16 + years). Data included measures of subjective and objective social isolation, four well-being outcomes (low life satisfaction, low feeling that life is worthwhile, low happiness and high anxiety) and participant socio-demographics, including disability status.

4.9% of participants were objectively socially isolated, 20.8% were subjectively socially isolated, and 7.3% were both (combined objective and subjective). Combined objective and subjective isolation related to increased likelihood of poorer outcomes in all four well-being outcomes, followed by subjective social isolation and then objective social isolation, in comparison to no social isolation. Levels of combined objective and subjective social isolation were highest in those aged 50-69, and those with a disability.

The relationship between combined objective and subjective isolation and poor well-being is stronger than for either form of social isolation alone, highlighting that individuals who experience both forms of isolation should be considered most in need of support.