Social Isolation of Women: Beginning and Early Solution A Likert Scale Analysis
Abstract
Social isolation—the objective state of having few social roles, relationships, and interactions with others—poses significant threats to women's mental, emotional, and physical health. The World Health Organization has recognized loneliness and social isolation as pressing public health concerns, with estimates suggesting that loneliness contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Despite growing awareness, empirical research examining the specific dimensions of social isolation among women and evaluating early intervention solutions remains limited. This study investigates the prevalence, causes, correlates, and perceived effectiveness of early solutions for social isolation among women using a structured Likert-scale survey. A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 150 women aged 18–65 years. The questionnaire comprised 25 items across five domains: (a) Social Connection and Support, (b) Causes of Isolation, (c) Psychological Effects, (d) Physical Health Impact, and (e) Perceived Effectiveness of Solutions. Responses were collected on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (Cronbach's α), Pearson correlation, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The overall scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.89). Mean scores indicated moderate to high levels of social isolation across the sample (M = 3.55, SD = 0.82 on a 5-point scale). Caregiving responsibilities (M = 4.12, SD = 0.91) and life transitions (M = 3.98, SD = 0.87) emerged as the strongest contributors to isolation. Significant negative correlations were found between social connection and psychological distress (*r* = -0.61, *p* < 0.01). Caregivers reported significantly higher isolation than non-caregivers (*t* = 4.56, *p* < 0.001, Cohen's *d* = 0.74). Community programs (M = 4.23, SD = 0.74) and mental health support (M = 4.18, SD = 0.79) were rated as the most effective solutions.