DISCONNECT

https://osamelost.sk/en/home/ Funded by the EU through the Next Generation EU programme under the Slovak Recovery and Resilience Plan, project no. 09I03-03-V03-00035. Social disconnection in general and clinical populations: understanding the complex interplay among social, psychological, and neurobiological processes Main objective and specific objectives of the project The project’s main objective is to comprehensively investigate social, psychological, and neurobiological foundations of social disconnection (loneliness, social isolation) in the general population and people with mental illness. In pursuit of this objective, the project is structured around four specific aims. Specific aim 1: Our goal is to conduct a large-scale (N=3000+) epidemiological study that emphasizes social and psychological determinants contributing to social disconnection in the general population. To account for the dynamic nature of social isolation, the study adopts a longitudinal design with a 12-month follow-up. More specifically, we will focus on populational cross-sectional and longitudinal risks and protective factors of loneliness in the Slovak Republic. Specific aim 2: We will utilize digital technologies, more specifically smartphones (Ecological Momentary Assessment; EMA) and actigraphy, for continuous assessment of social disconnection in real life. Employing this cutting-edge digital phenotyping approach, we intend to estimate the heterogeneity of individual-level phenotypes (profiles) that align with the principles of precision medicine. Our goal is to characterize the nature and dynamic changes of social disconnection in clinical and at-risk populations (young and older adults, and individuals with mental illness). We will recruit approx. 120–140 participants. Additionally, we will offer participants the opportunity to use ecological momentary interventions (EMI) of their choice during the EMA measurement. We will conduct semi-structured interviews with patients and clinicians to ascertain the perceived feasibility, usefulness, and acceptability of these procedures in clinical practice. Specific aim 3: This goal focuses on the bio-behavioural underpinnings of social disconnection leveraging an experimental approach based on the Research Domain Criteria.sy Within this aim, we will conduct a series of studies in clinical and non-clinical populations that will utilize physiological measurements of the autonomous nervous system, EEG, behaviour coding, and eye tracking. As a result, we will develop and pilot a new experimental paradigm based on bio-behavioural synchrony during interactions that might be suitable for studying social disconnection in general and clinical populations. Specific aim 4: A distinct study will be conducted to analyse and assess the available public health research, current national policies and practices related to managing social disconnection, both in the general population and among patients. The research will aim to consolidate international best practices. The research outcomes will also be autonomously evaluated and reviewed by an External Advisory Board consisting of three members, including experts in clinical specialities, public health, and related fields. Consequently, guided by national public health analysts, a final report including original DISCONNECT research results will be generated, presenting Public Health Recommendations for practical implementation by pertinent national institutions.