1. Social Isolation at Sea
MSSM, Nyborg: 25 August Olivia Swift

2. Social isolation vs. loneliness
Social isolation: ‘an objective state determined by the quantity of social relationships and contacts between individuals.’ Loneliness: ‘a subjective state based on a person’s emotional perception of the number and/or quality of social connections they need compared to what is currently being experienced.’

3. Causes of increased social isolation at sea
Smaller, multinational crews
Increased working hours, responsibilities and paperwork
Insufficient spaces/opportunities/desire for communal eating and recreation; restrictive alcohol policies
Fewer shared cabins; reduced shore leave

4. The risks Specifically: socially isolated people are:
‘Weak social connections carry a health risk that is more harmful than not exercising, twice as harmful as obesity, and is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being an alcoholic.'
Specifically: socially isolated people are:
3.4x more likely to suffer depression
1.9x more likely to develop dementia in the following 15 years
2-3x more likely to be physically inactive, which may result in a 7% increased likelihood of developing diabetes, an 8% increased likelihood of suffering stroke and a 14% likelihood of developing coronary heart disease.
Loneliness at work lessens effectiveness and affects team dynamics. It is a social phenomenon and organisational (rather than individual) problem.
Photo: Bryan Davidson

5. What can be done to lessen social isolation?
Reducing social isolation
Maintain/ improve existing social ties
Psychological approaches
Create new social ties

6. Improving and increasing social ties
Quality recreation spaces/facilities/opportunities
News & media provision
Restrictions > bans on alcohol
Shore leave
Spouse/partner voyages
Connectivity… potential for digital to improve social cohesion onboard…
See ‘social isolation’ article on ISWAN website for more…
See ISWAN’s ‘Social Isolation’ article on its website for more.

7. Questions? Olivia.Swift@rhul.ac.uk
Thank you
Questions?