Lack of social support is a nursing diagnosis identifying individuals experiencing insufficient emotional, informational, or instrumental assistance from their social network. This condition can significantly impact physical and mental health outcomes, recovery from illness, and overall well-being.
Causes (Related to)
Several factors can contribute to a lack of social support:
- Geographic isolation or relocation
- Loss of significant relationships through death, divorce, or separation
- Cultural or language barriers
- Chronic illness or disability
- Financial constraints limiting social interaction
- Personal factors such as:
- Poor communication skills
- Mental health conditions
- History of difficult relationships
- Low self-esteem
- Environmental factors including:
- Limited access to transportation
- Living in unsafe neighborhoods
- Inadequate community resources
- Social restrictions due to health conditions
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
The following indicators help nurses identify a lack of social support:
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Expression of having no one to talk to
- Verbalization of lack of support
- Reports of family conflicts
- Expressed inability to access resources
- Feelings of abandonment
- Expressed dissatisfaction with the support system
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Limited or no visitors
- Absence of support persons at appointments
- Poor participation in care decisions
- Limited community involvement
- Observable anxiety during social interactions
- Difficulty making decisions
- Signs of neglect in self-care
- Depression symptoms
Expected Outcomes
Successful management of lack of social support includes:
- The patient will identify at least two reliable support sources
- The patient will demonstrate improved social interaction skills
- The patient will utilize available community resources
- The patient will report decreased feelings of isolation
- The patient will establish meaningful connections
- The patient will maintain regular contact with the support network
- The patient will show improved coping mechanisms
Nursing Assessment
Evaluate Support System
- Assess current social network
- Identify key support persons
- Evaluate the quality of relationships
- Document the frequency of social interactions
- Assess cultural factors affecting support
Assess Barriers to Support
- Evaluate transportation access
- Check financial resources
- Assess communication abilities
- Identify physical limitations
- Document environmental constraints
Review Psychological Status
- Monitor for depression
- Assess anxiety levels
- Evaluate coping mechanisms
- Check stress management skills
- Document emotional state
Evaluate Resource Knowledge
- Assess awareness of community services
- Check understanding of available support
- Review access to healthcare resources
- Document technology literacy
- Evaluate health literacy
Monitor Health Impact
- Assess medication compliance
- Check appointment attendance
- Monitor self-care abilities
- Evaluate nutritional status
- Document sleep patterns
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Social Isolation
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Social Isolation related to inadequate support system as evidenced by expressed feelings of loneliness and limited social interactions.
Related Factors:
- Limited social network
- Poor communication skills
- Transportation barriers
- Cultural differences
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess current social network and support systems
Rationale: Identifies gaps in social support and areas for intervention - Connect patient with community resources and support groups
Rationale: Expands social network and provides an opportunity for meaningful connections - Teach communication skills and social interaction techniques
Rationale: Improves ability to form and maintain relationships
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will participate in social activities weekly
- The patient will identify three new social connections
- The patient will demonstrate improved communication skills
Nursing Care Plan 2: Ineffective Coping
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Ineffective Coping related to inadequate social support system as evidenced by expressed difficulty managing stress and poor problem-solving skills.
Related Factors:
- Limited emotional support
- Insufficient coping mechanisms
- Inadequate resource knowledge
- Stress overload
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Teach stress management techniques
Rationale: Provides tools for independent coping - Facilitate connection with support groups
Rationale: Creates opportunity for peer support and shared experiences - Develop problem-solving strategies
Rationale: Enhances ability to manage challenges independently
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate effective coping strategies.
- The patient will report reduced stress levels
- The patient will utilize support resources appropriately
Nursing Care Plan 3: Risk for Situational Low Self-Esteem
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Situational Low Self-Esteem related to social isolation and perceived lack of support as evidenced by negative self-statements.
Related Factors:
- Social disconnection
- Negative self-perception
- History of rejection
- Limited validation from others
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Encourage positive self-talk
Rationale: Builds self-esteem and confidence - Facilitate involvement in group activities
Rationale: Provides opportunities for positive feedback and social interaction - Teach assertiveness skills
Rationale: Improves ability to communicate needs and maintain boundaries
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved self-esteem
- The patient will express positive self-statements
- The patient will engage in social activities confidently
Nursing Care Plan 4: Impaired Social Interaction
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Social Interaction related to the inadequate support system as evidenced by observed difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships.
Related Factors:
- Communication barriers
- Social anxiety
- Limited social skills
- Past negative experiences
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Practice social skills through role-playing
Rationale: Builds confidence in social situations - Encourage participation in structured social activities
Rationale: Provides a safe environment for practicing social skills - Teach nonverbal communication awareness
Rationale: Improves overall communication effectiveness
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved social interaction skills
- The patient will maintain meaningful relationships
- The patient will report increased comfort in social situations
Nursing Care Plan 5: Powerlessness
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Powerlessness related to the insufficient support system as evidenced by expressed feelings of lack of control over life situations.
Related Factors:
- Limited resource access
- Inadequate support network
- Dependency on others
- Limited decision-making opportunities
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Involve patient in care planning
Rationale: Increases sense of control and self-efficacy - Teach resource navigation skills
Rationale: Enhances independence in accessing support - Encourage decision-making
Rationale: Builds confidence in personal choices
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate increased independence
- Patients will make informed decisions about care
- The patient will effectively utilize available resources
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Callaghan P, Morrissey J. Social support and health: a review. J Adv Nurs. 1993 Feb;18(2):203-10. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1993.18020203.x. PMID: 8436711.
- Drageset J. Social Support. 2021 Mar 12. In: Haugan G, Eriksson M, editors. Health Promotion in Health Care – Vital Theories and Research [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2021. Chapter 11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585650/ doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-63135-2_11
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
- Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
- Islam MF, Guerrero M, Nguyen RL, Porcaro A, Cummings C, Stevens E, Kang A, Jason LA. The Importance of Social Support in Recovery Populations: Toward a Multilevel Understanding. Alcohol Treat Q. 2023;41(2):222-236. doi: 10.1080/07347324.2023.2181119. Epub 2023 Feb 28. PMID: 37312815; PMCID: PMC10259869.
- Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
