We have finished our 2nd experiment already! In this experiment, the self proclaimed “Lone Wolf” Skeptic has tried a metamorphosis into the “Social Butterfly”. Here are the full details on how that went for him.
I discuss some research on social connection from Lee and Robbins (1998) not of the Baskin Robbins 31 flavors fame (at least not that we know).
I also discuss a review by James House and colleagues that found that social isolation has an impact on health comparable to the effect of high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking!! The feeling of loneliness or isolation has negative implications for stress hormones, immune function and cardiovascular function.
There is also animal work suggests that Oxycontin and opioids may serve as a protective factor, decreasing the stress-induced cortisol levels and exerting a calming effect on the nervous system
And lastly in the research arena, this study states that when faced with a life stressor, individuals high in social connection do not appraise the event as too stressful because they know they will receive support from others.
In the end, it appears that loneliness and isolation are more about your perception of loneliness and your genetic need for social connection. However if your need for social connections are met you may have some protective health juices flowing; and when not met, they can have impacts on the brain similar to physical pain.
And some quotes from some famous folks:
Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody—I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.
Mother Theresa
Communities, which included the greatest number of the most sympathetic members, would flourish best, and rear the greatest number of offspring
Darwin
Lastly, here are the results from the Skeptic’s subjective surveys on social connection. The POMS (profile of mood states) combines all of the negative subcategories (fatigue, irritability, numbness, and tension) and subtracts the positive subcategory (vigor). We have also used surveys on general rating of physical, mental, and social health to track changes. Lastly, we have used the DALDA (daily analysis of life demands for athletes), to track how he is feeling over the treatments. And again, most of these surveys are used with athletes (my research specialty), but are applicable in this situation.
So… do the survey results match his verbal proclamations? Listen to find out if he remains the “Lone Wolf” or if he has transformed into the “Social Butterfly”.
