Towards a Theory of Interpersonal Isolation: Adding Existential Isolation to the Mix

Abstract

This dissertation argues that in addition to loneliness and social isolation, research examining facets of interpersonal isolation should also consider existential isolation (EI; Yalom, 1980). Interpersonal isolation refers to any between-person separation. Loneliness is the distressing feeling accompanied by the subjective evaluation that there is a discrepancy between one’s desired and one’s actual social relationships (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2014). Social isolation is the objective condition of having few contacts with family and community (Pressman et al., 2005). EI is the subjective feeling that others cannot understand one’s perspective. I argue social isolation constitutes an objective component of interpersonal isolation while loneliness and EI constitute subjective components. Across three studies I argue for the uniqueness of EI as a construct and compare its relative effects to loneliness (Studies 1-3) and social isolation (Study 2). In Study 1, I find EI and loneliness to both independently and interact to predict greater depression and suicide ideation. Study 2 utilizes a longitudinal design and compares the relative effects of each type of isolation on a variety of outcomes across a semester. While the initial hypotheses in Study 2 did not receive much empirical support, exploratory analyses revealed that changes in EI are particularly important predictors of measures of healthy behaviors and wellbeing over the course of a semester. Study 3 compared the relative behavioral effects of EI and loneliness after a rejection experience. Study 3 found no support for the hypotheses. Taken together, these studies support the utility of considering EI as a facet of interpersonal isolation and demonstrate that EI can have predictive power beyond more commonly studied forms of interpersonal isolation.