Social withdrawal takes place if a person intentionally avoids opportunities to interact with others.
Experiencing emotions like shame, anger, low self-esteem, or relationship issues may lead to social withdrawal.
The condition is sometimes rooted in anxiety, personality, or mood disorders.
fizkes / Getty Images
In some cases, withdrawing from social engagement could also be a sign of schizophrenia.
Social Withdrawal Symptoms
Social behavior and relationships contribute to healthy development.
It teaches us much about ourselves and our identities and influences our social and cognitive skills.
Social withdrawal can lead to a person developing a pattern of solitary activities.
In turn, their interpersonal skills may suffer.
Social withdrawal can be associated with shame, low self-esteem, andfear of rejection.
The longer you go on like this, the more isolated you feel.
Social Withdrawal Causes
There are many theories on what contributes to social withdrawal.
To some extent, this is normal as they explore their identities.
Children may withdraw for many reasons.
It may be a manifestation of:
Social connectedness is vital for the development of children and teens.
Risk Factors
There are risk factors that can increase your likelihood of becoming socially withdrawn.
Research identifies the following factors as possible influences:
Interactions among these factors can lead to increased social withdrawal.
Is Social Withdrawal Healthy?
Social withdrawal is not to be confused with taking some time for yourself.
Spending time alone can be healthy for reflection, self-care, or self-maintenance.
This is different from a more extended pattern of social withdrawal and isolation that can have negative consequences.
A persons overall health, well-being, and daily functioning can suffer when they significantly withdraw from social interactions.
Health issues may also be linked to social withdrawal.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Summary
A socially withdrawn person removes themselves from encounters and interactions with others.
It can be a reflection of an underlying mental health condition.
Morese R, Palermo S, Torello C, Sechi F.Social withdrawal and mental health: an interdisciplinary approach.
In: Morese R, Palermo S, Fiorella R, eds.Social Isolation: An Interdisciplinary View.
IntechOpen; 2020. doi:10.5772/intechopen.90735
CDC.
“Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.”
2020;11:138. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00138
Zava F, Sette S, Baumgartner E, Coplan RJ.Social withdrawal.
In:Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences.
Elsevier; 2021. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-818872-9.00040-6
Rubin KH, Coplan RJ, Bowker JC.Social withdrawal in childhood.Annu Rev Psychol.
2021;7(3):e90.
National Academies Press (US); 2020.
