Year: 2025
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background: This systematic review examines the relationship between prolonged social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety levels in adults, with specific focus on social anxiety. It highlights that enforced distancing measures like lockdowns and reduced social contact significantly contributed to a global rise in psychological distress and anxiety disorders. Objective: To synthesize recent evidence on how social isolation influenced anxiety levels in the general adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This study followed a qualitative systematic review design. Relevant literature was identified through searches in databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and others, using combinations of MeSH terms and keywords. Data extraction and quality assessment followed the PRISMA guidelines and used the Downs and Black Checklist to evaluate methodological quality. Results: Seven studies were included, with a total of 3,014 participants. Findings revealed a consistent positive association between social isolation and anxiety. Perceived isolation was a stronger predictor of anxiety than objective isolation. Older adults showed higher vulnerability when isolated or lacking social support. Students and young adults also experienced elevated anxiety, especially when living alone or facing COVID-related stressors. Conclusion: Social isolation during the pandemic significantly contributed to increased anxiety symptoms across global adult populations. Public health efforts should target loneliness and promote sustainable social connectedness to mitigate long-term psychological consequences.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Fetoon Massad Saud Al-Otaibi, Motaz Thaieb Alotaibi, Nadia Altamimi, Sadeq Abu-Dawas, Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Khaled Alkattan
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4417018325