Dear Hassan,

You ask the following: Conceptually, what is the different between "social isolation" , "loneliness", and "lack of social support"?

As I see it, social isolation is the case when there exist a state of complete or near-complete lack of contact between an individual and society. Social isolation can represent a situation where one prefers to be alone to achieve a certain demanding goal (e.g.., to write a book). I see it more as a transient state than a permanent trait. In contradistinction, loneliness is more a personality trait than a transient temporary stage. Loneliness can reflect a personality disorder in which someone has difficulties in putting into another's shoes and hence decides to isolate from others.

Conceptually, lack of social suport has more to to with the others than oneself. That is, an individual can need physical or psychological support and yet there is noboby available to care for him/her.

To sum up, social isolation is often a transient and wanted state of lack of contact with society at large because of a personal goal (e.g., to write a philosophical or existencial essay). Loneliness is a permanent and generally non-wanted trait of one's personality that leads him/her to want to live isolated from the majority or others' people. This trait can reflect a manifestation of Asperger's or autism's syndromes. Lack of social support has nothing to do with one's intended goals or personality, but rather with one's lack of others' support, caring, and the like. To a great extent, all of us are in lack of social support on some occasions of our daily lifes.

Best regards,

Orlando

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Regards

Orlando M Lourenço Andrew Silletti Jr.