(PS3-A19) Facilitating Social Connection During Social Distancing

Loneliness is a pervasive mental health problem. Loneliness was referred to as an “epidemic” prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent data suggest rates of loneliness continue to rise. Loneliness is a distressing psychological state associated with staggering adverse effects, including heightened stress reactivity and suicide risk. Interventions to address loneliness typically involve fostering social connection. Yet, we know surprisingly little about the mechanisms by which people obtain social connection in their daily lives. In particular, there is a dearth of research examining social connection among people with psychiatric illnesses that interfere with social functioning. To address this gap, we examined how adults with elevated depression and/or social anxiety fostered social connection in their daily lives.

Participants were 285 community adults with elevated social anxiety and/or depression who completed a 14-day diary study between June and November 2020. Participants described the most helpful thing they did or experienced each day that promoted social connectedness. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of 3,161 reports to identify common facilitators of social connection. Using an inductive approach, we followed a systematic set of standardized procedures for qualitative research methods (Clarke & Braun, 2013). Coders identified and defined themes and then categorized each response into respective themes. Reliability was established through inter-coder agreement.

Ten themes of social connection facilitators were identified (presented in descending order of frequency): (1) interacting with family, (2) interacting with friends, (3) responsibilities (e.g., work), (4) hobbies (e.g., exercise), (5) social media, (6) support/helping others, (7) interacting with romantic partners, (8) interacting with acquaintances (e.g., colleagues/neighbors), (9) religious practices, and (10) psychotherapy. Results will be examined in the context of whether individual differences in depression and social anxiety symptoms affect endorsement of themes.

Our findings suggest that although social interactions can be a source of distress for people with internalizing pathology, they also offer outlets for fulfilling social needs. Social interactions with both close and distant partners were the most frequently reported experiences that fostered social connection. Our results also suggest that despite mixed evidence on how technology affects mental health, online mediums (e.g., social media) can promote social connection. People also foster social connection through activities with shared goals or interests (e.g., hobbies) and therapeutic intervention. In addition to reducing symptoms, weekly therapy sessions with clinicians can be beneficial in satisfying social needs, particularly for people who may have limited social interactions. Clinicians can use findings to help clients develop the most effective strategies and plans to maximize social connection based on their individual preferences and social resources. 

References

Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2013). Teaching thematic analysis: Overcoming challenges and developing strategies for effective learning. The Psychologist, 26(2).