Influence of Social Isolation on the Severity and Progression of Schizophrenia Among Young Adults

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe psychological disorder associated with disturbances in cognition, perception, emotional functioning, and social behavior. Social isolation is commonly experienced among individuals with schizophrenia and may contribute to worsening symptoms and impaired psychosocial functioning. The present study examined the influence of social isolation on schizophrenia symptom severity and functional impairment among young adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. The moderating role of perceived social support and participation in structured interventions was also explored. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. The sample consisted of 80 inpatient and outpatient individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 with caregiver assistance where required. As the data significantly deviated from normality according to the Shapiro Wilk test, non-parametric analyses including Spearman’s rank order correlation, Mann Whitney U test, and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted using SPSS Version 26. Results indicated that higher social isolation was associated with greater symptom severity and functional impairment. Social support moderated the relationship between isolation and symptom severity, while participants involved in structured interventions demonstrated better psychosocial functioning.

The findings emphasize the importance of social support and psychosocial rehabilitation in schizophrenia management.