Definition:
Most simply, social isolation is the pervasive withdrawal from contact with acquaintances, friends and loved ones. In the case of the better-known eating disorders, social isolation is a logical outcome:
- A person with anorexia eventually isolates because the eating disorder takes up all available time with activities like planning how to avoid eating or figuring out how to work in exercise. Also, eating can develop rituals that those with anorexia don't want others to see (for example, always eating an apple for lunch).
- Bulimia creates isolation because of the need for binging and purging, which nearly always occur when the person is alone. This extends to social isolation when a person avoids social activities because it may be difficult to purge after a meal, for example.
Social isolation allows self-esteem to erode because of the lack of positive contact with others. This can lead to clinical depression, which in turn often reinforces disordered eating.
Pronunciation: SO-shel EYE-seh-LAY'-shun
Also Known As: isolation
Examples: The therapist was concerned that her client's social isolation was keeping him from the support he needed to address his bulimia.
