Spigelmyer Aims to Bring Social Isolation Research to Forefront at Sigma

School of Nursing Professor Pamela Spigelmyer, PhD, RN, CNS, SGAHN has been selected to present at the upcoming Sigma convention, November 11-15, 2023. Spiglemyer’s research focuses on social isolation in two vulnerable populations: the school age and the older adult, and its impact on both groups.

Spiglemyer’s idea for the research came when the pandemic brought to light issues of social isolation for older adults and family caregivers. In fact, last year’s McGinley Rice Symposium focused on The Face of Social Isolation. The pandemic and the Symposium caused Spiglemyer to start conceptualizing social isolation, and she began to wonder if researchers were measuring social isolation in any meaningful way. “To answer the question, I conducted a principle-based concept analysis of social isolation in the context of older adults. I found that researchers are not consistent with their use of the term social isolation and often confuse concepts such as loneliness. Social isolation for older adults has many consequences such as poorer health outcomes,” she says.

At Sigma, Spiglemyer, along with co-presenter Angela Karakachian, PhD, RN, also a professor in the School of Nursing, plans to shed more light on this issue, which has not been thoroughly researched and has only recently come to the forefront of discussions. She hopes that after hearing her presentation on the context of school age children and social isolation the audience can describe current difficulties in measuring the concept of social isolation. Spiglemyer also hopes that attendees may be better equipped to identify differences in experiences of social isolation among varied, vulnerable populations and be able to evaluate the next steps to advance the concept of social isolation as a result of this presentation.

Spiglemyer states, “I want this research to bring to the forefront the need to standardize the use of the term social isolation and move the concept forward so that communication surrounding social isolation in vulnerable populations is consistent and accurate.” The underlying goal of the research is to help in understanding so that the risks can be mitigated. “Understanding the experiences of school age populations and older adult populations who are socially isolated will help researchers to plan interventions for improving health and wellness,” Spiglemyer goes on to say.

Spiglemyer’s research reflects the mission and global reach for which Sigma is known. She presents her findings, along with Dr. Karakachian, at the 47th Biennial Convention on November 11 – 15, 2023 in San Antonio, Tx. to an anticipated audience of over 2000 attendees and global nursing leaders.

Sigma, an internationally renowned nursing association, has more than 100,000 active members and 600 chapters at higher education institutions. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators, researchers and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global health care.