The psychological reactions induced by social isolation

The continuation of the quarantine, indispensable for the protection of everyone's health, poses numerous challenges from a psychological point of view. We find ourselves forced to give up the daily routine and to live separately, just when danger and uncertainty forcefully activate the need of one another. How do social relationships evolve in this time of crisis? How are our interpersonal relationships affected - and will they be affected? We propose an interesting reflection on the topic by Prof. Valentina Di Mattei, Associate of Dynamic Psychology at UniSR, Specialist in Clinical Psychology and researcher.

A recent review published by The Lancet on the psychological impact of quarantine draws attention to the significant psychological reactions induced by social isolation: from the increase in the level of psychological distress, to the onset of feelings of fear, disorientation, anger, emotional emptying and resignation. In some cases, the development of real psychopathological pictures is also highlighted, characterized mainly by anxious, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances. The studies highlight the presence of two categories particularly at risk of developing significant psychological sequelae: health workers (who experience the double stress of 'dangerous' work and quarantine at home) and psychiatric patients. In general, all subjects with past psychic weakness seem to be particularly exposed.

There are several behaviors that can currently act as an antidote to fear and social isolation:

1. search for clear and well-founded information regarding the nature of the virus, the possible risks and the security measures to be implemented;
2. use technological tools in order to preserve, if possible, one's working activity and keep alive the contact with loved ones and with the extended social network;
3. plan daily moments of leisure, and, if possible, family sharing, to relieve tension and stress;
4. have available service contacts and specialists able to offer medical and psychological assistance in case of need.

In addition, keeping in mind the importance of the altruistic repercussions of one's isolation behavior for the safety of the entire community, represents an essential point to preserve the sense of connection with the world and contain the experience of solitude.

Once the emergency is over, what effects will quarantine have on our interpersonal relationships? Some studies show that, even returning to normal, we will tend to maintain behaviors similar to those adopted during the emergency for a few months: excessive attention to hygiene, avoidance of people presenting symptoms associated with COVID-19 (e.g. who sneezes and coughes) and social contacts in closed or crowded places.

Finally, many of us are wearing masks, especially in hospitals. We will have to get used to a return of the expression of emotions and full facial expression. Already Darwin had emphasized the importance of this aspect in interpersonal relationships, without being able to predict that we would have lived periods in which the expression of emotion, hampered by a mask, would have been completely entrusted to our eyes.