Social interaction is a fundamental aspect of human life and is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A deterioration in social interaction can lead to various health problems, and as nurses, it is essential to identify and address this issue in our patients. In this blog post, we will discuss the nursing diagnosis of deterioration of social interaction, including its definition, defining characteristics, related factors, and suggested interventions.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
According to NANDA International, the nursing diagnosis of deterioration of social interaction is defined as “a decrease in verbal and nonverbal communication and/or a decrease in the ability to initiate or respond to social interactions with others.”
Defining Characteristics (Subjective and Objective)
Subjective:
- Reports of feeling lonely or isolated
- Expresses difficulty in initiating or maintaining social interactions
Objective:
- Limited verbal and nonverbal communication
- Observed lack of interest in social activities
- Decreased participation in group activities
Related Factors
- Physical illness or disability
- Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Cognitive impairment
- Social isolation or lack of social support
- Cultural or linguistic barriers
Risk Population
- Elderly individuals
- Individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities
- Individuals with mental health disorders
- Individuals with cognitive impairment
- Individuals experiencing social isolation or lack of social support
Associated Problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Poor self-esteem
- Poor quality of life
Suggestions for Use
- Encourage social activities and interactions
- Facilitate communication with family and friends
- Provide opportunities for social support
- Refer to community resources for social support
- Consider cultural and linguistic needs when planning interventions
Suggested Alternative NANDA Diagnoses
- Ineffective coping
- Impaired verbal communication
- Social isolation
- Impaired social interaction
- Impaired verbal communication
Usage Tips
- Assess the patient’s communication abilities and needs
- Involve the patient and their family/caregivers in the planning and implementation of interventions
- Be mindful of cultural and linguistic differences
- Monitor the patient’s progress and adjust interventions as needed
NOC Results
- Social Interaction: The patient demonstrates appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication, and is able to initiate and respond to social interactions with others.
- Mood: The patient’s mood is improved, with less feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Self-Esteem: The patient’s self-esteem is improved, with less negative self-perception.
- Quality of Life: The patient’s overall quality of life is improved, with increased participation in social activities and improved relationships with others.
NIC Interventions
- Social Support: Facilitating and encouraging social interactions and support through activities, communication with family and friends, and referral to community resources.
- Communication Enhancement: Enhancing communication abilities and addressing barriers through the use of adaptive devices, communication boards, and language interpretation services.
- Mood Management: Assisting the patient in managing mood through activities, counseling, and medication management as needed.
- Cultural and Linguistic Competence: Addressing cultural and linguistic needs through culturally appropriate interventions and language interpretation services.
Conclusion
Deterioration of social interaction is a significant concern for many patients, as it can lead to various health problems. As nurses, it is essential to identify and address this issue through appropriate interventions. By utilizing the nursing diagnosis of deterioration of social interaction, nurses can help improve their patients’ communication abilities, mood, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.