Social Isolation and Life Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of Family Support
Abstract
Social relationships constitute an important foundation of psychological well being and quality of life. Increasing social isolation has become a significant concern because limited interpersonal contact may reduce emotional resources, weaken belongingness, and negatively influence individuals' perceptions of their lives. This study examines the relationship between social isolation and life satisfaction and investigates the moderating role of family support. The proposed framework is grounded primarily in the Social Convoy Model, Stress and Coping Theory, and the Need to Belong perspective. The model proposes that social isolation negatively affects life satisfaction because reduced social interaction limits access to emotional support, companionship, assistance, and meaningful interpersonal relationships. Family support is proposed as a moderator because supportive family relationships may protect individuals from the adverse consequences of social disconnection. A quantitative cross sectional research design is proposed, using a structured questionnaire administered to adult respondents. Social isolation is measured through indicators assessing limited social contact, reduced interpersonal participation, and perceived social disconnection. Life satisfaction is assessed using established subjective well being measures, while family support is measured through perceived emotional, instrumental, and informational support received from family members. Data analysis is proposed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS. The measurement model should be evaluated through indicator reliability, Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and discriminant validity. The structural model should subsequently be examined through path coefficients, bootstrapping, coefficient of determination, effect size, predictive relevance, and moderation analysis. For demonstration, hypothetical results indicate that social isolation has a significant negative relationship with life satisfaction. Family support demonstrates a positive direct relationship with life satisfaction and significantly moderates the negative relationship between social isolation and life satisfaction. The proposed study contributes to the literature by explaining that the consequences of social isolation may depend partly on the availability of supportive family relationships. The findings have implications for families, social workers, educational institutions, community organizations, and policymakers concerned with improving subjective well being and social connectedness.
Copyright Notice Submission of an article implies that the work described has not been published previously (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture or academic thesis), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out, and that, if accepted, will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, without the written consent of the Publisher. The Editors reserve the right to edit or otherwise alter all contributions, but authors will receive proofs for approval before publication. Copyrights for articles published in IJSSA journal are retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. The journal/publisher is not responsible for subsequent uses of the work. It is the author’s responsibility to bring an infringement action if so desired by the author.
