The Psychological Effects of Social Seclusion on the Mental and Physical Health of Chronic Pain Patients

Abstract

Introduction: In the past few years, there has been an increase in interest in the consequences of social isolation on the physical and emotional health of those who suffer from chronic pain. Social isolation, which is frequently a side effect of chronic pain, can make the already distressing symptoms that these people endure worse. It is essential to comprehend how social isolation affects an individual's general health in order to create support and intervention mechanisms that are efficient.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to look into how chronic pain sufferers' physical and mental wellness               were affected by social isolation.

Methods: There were an overall of 84 people suffering from chronic pain, and half of them were split evenly between the GA-Fitbit (GAF) and GA (GA) groups. All participants filled out a self-reporting scale for social isolation, a mental performance scale, and a multimodal physical well-being scale. The pre- and post-treatment shifts in social isolation were analysed using linear mixed effects modelling, and their connection to gains in mental and physical health were investigated.

Results: Gains in self-reported physical and mental health were similarly large and statistically significant between the two therapies from starting point to the conclusion of treatment.

Conclusion: Chronic pain patients who experience social isolation may benefit from treatments designed to reduce that feeling.