The Effects of Social Deprivation on Adolescent Development and Mental Health

Summary

• Adolescence (10-24 years) is a crucial time for social interaction and peer influence.
• COVID-19 physical distancing reduces face-to-face social contact, potentially impacting adolescents' development and mental health.
• Literature from human and animal studies suggests social deprivation can affect brain and behavior uniquely during adolescence.
• Digital social interactions might mitigate some effects of reduced face-to-face contact.

Introduction

• Social interaction is a basic human need, crucial for mental and physical health.
• COVID-19 distancing has removed regular social connections, impacting well-being.
• Adolescents are particularly sensitive to social exclusion and deprivation.
• Digital technology offers some mitigation, but the long-term effects of reduced peer contact are unknown.

Adolescence as a Sensitive Period for Social Development

• Adolescence involves psychological and social transformation, with increased peer interaction.
• Adolescents are sensitive to peer acceptance and rejection, crucial for identity and independence.
• Cognitive abilities like mentalizing and executive control develop during adolescence.
• High-quality peer relationships protect against mental health issues.

Effects of Social Deprivation: Animal Models

• Animal studies (mostly rodents) show social isolation impacts brain and behavior during adolescence.
• Isolation increases stress responses, anxiety, and addiction susceptibility.
• Chronic isolation leads to cognitive deficits and behavioral changes.
• These studies suggest peer interaction during adolescence is crucial for healthy development.

Digital Sources of Social Connection

• Adolescents widely use digital technologies like social media for social interaction.
• Digital communication can replicate aspects of face-to-face interactions, offering social support.
• Active digital engagement can improve well-being, while passive use might not have positive effects.
• Individual differences affect how digital interaction impacts mental health.

Conclusion

• Physical distancing poses a challenge to adolescent social needs.
• Digital technology can potentially mitigate negative effects but requires careful consideration and more research.
• Policymakers should prioritize reopening social environments for adolescents.
• Research is needed to understand the long-term effects of social deprivation and digital interactions on development and mental health.

Search Strategy and Selection Criteria

• Review based on articles from Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE, focusing on social behavior and isolation in adolescence.

Acknowledgments

• Funding and support from various academic and research institutions.

Contributors

• Equal contributions by all authors.

Declaration of Interests

• No competing interests declared.