Welcome To The Element Of Inclusion
April 14, 2020

The Relationship Between Social Isolation, Loneliness & Belonging

The Relationship Between Social Isolation, Loneliness & Belonging

The words social isolation and loneliness are often used interchangeably.
Find out why they’re not the same thing.

The words social isolation and loneliness are often used interchangeably.

Find out why they’re not the same thing.

Here are some key messages from this episode

  • You can be lonely whist surrounded by other people
  • Being socially isolated against your will is damaging
  • Not everyone feels lonely

Play the episode for more.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode

Why Loneliness is Misunderstood

“It’s possible to feel lonely while among other people, and you can be alone yet not feel lonely”

The Difference between Social Isolation and Loneliness

“social isolation is not loneliness and loneliness is not social isolation. 

Not everyone who is socially isolated is lonely and not everyone who is lonely is socially isolated”

Why Social Exclusion May Lead to Loneliness

“If you’re an individual that is being socially excluded, ie socially isolated against your will, we don’t need the research to recognise that that person may have an unpleasant experience”

Here are some resources so you can go deeper

 Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Tears Of A Clown

Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness

The Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships: Chapter 27 Loneliness and Social Isolation

Check out these related episodes of the show

How Social Exclusion Can Lead To Social Inclusion

Why Social Isolation Is Not A New Experience In the Workplace

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