Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Loneliness Is Linked To 100 Deaths Every Hour, Reveals WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a growing yet often overlooked crisis: <span>loneliness</span>. In its newly released report titled “From loneliness to social connection: charting the path to healthier societies,” WHO reveals that loneliness is linked to nearly 100 deaths every hour, translating to more than 871,000 lives lost annually to loneliness-related causes.

This revelation marks loneliness as more than a mere emotional experience—it is now recognized as a pressing public health concern with severe, measurable consequences.

<h4>One in Six People Affected Globally</h4>

According to the report, one in six people worldwide experiences loneliness. The impact is most severe among young people and those living in low- and middle-income countries, where systemic inequalities and lack of access to support services compound feelings of social disconnection.

WHO defines loneliness as “the distressing feeling that results from a gap between desired and actual social relationships,” while social isolation refers to the objective absence of social ties. Though distinct, both conditions significantly increase the risk of physical and <span>mental health</span> issues.

<h4>A Paradox in a Digitally Connected World</h4>

“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,” noted Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Her comments highlight a growing paradox: while technology allows unprecedented access to communication, it often fails to deliver meaningful connection.

<h4>WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom </h4>

Ghebreyesus echoed these concerns, stating, “In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely.”

The report points to excessive screen time, poor quality of online interactions, and social media pressures as contributing factors to the emotional disconnect experienced by many—especially adolescents and young adults.

<h4>Health Risks Comparable to Smoking and Obesity</h4>

The consequences of prolonged loneliness and social isolation extend far beyond emotional distress. The report highlights links between loneliness and serious health outcomes, including:

<ul><li>Increased risk of stroke and heart disease</li><li>Type 2 diabetes</li><li>Cognitive decline and dementia</li><li><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">Depression</a></span>, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts</li><li>Early death</li></ul>

Lonely individuals are twice as likely to experience depression, and the overall impact on the body includes heightened inflammation and stress hormone levels—comparable to those found in people who smoke or are obese.

“Social connection offers protective benefits throughout life,” the report emphasizes, stating that strong interpersonal ties can improve immune function, boost mental resilience, and extend life expectancy.

<h4>Inequality and Infrastructure Worsen the Problem</h4>

The burden of loneliness is not distributed equally. WHO identifies several contributing factors that disproportionately affect people in low-resource settings. These include:

<ul><li>Poor physical and mental health</li><li>Low income and education levels</li><li>Lack of inclusive public policies</li></ul>

Limited access to transportation, safe spaces, or community services

Without adequate infrastructure and inclusive social systems, people are more likely to remain disconnected, creating a cycle of isolation that is difficult to break.

In response to this urgent crisis, WHO is urging governments, communities, and individuals to treat social connection as a public health priority. The report outlines a five-part roadmap for coordinated global action:

<strong>Policy Development: </strong>Integrating social connection into national health and social strategies.

<strong>Research and Data:</strong> Improving the measurement of loneliness and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.

<strong>Scalable Interventions: </strong>Supporting local programs that promote engagement and inclusion.

<strong>Public Engagement: </strong>Raising awareness through campaigns and community involvement.

<strong>Cross-Sector Collaboration:</strong> Uniting healthcare, education, transportation, and technology sectors to build supportive environments.

“As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens—not weakens—human connection,” Mpemba said.

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WHO report on loneliness

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a growing yet often overlooked crisis: loneliness. In its newly released report titled “From loneliness to social connection: charting the path to healthier societies,” WHO reveals that loneliness is linked to nearly 100 deaths every hour, translating to more than 871,000 lives lost annually to loneliness-related causes.This revelation marks loneliness as more than a mere emotional experience—it is now recognized as a pressing public health concern with severe, measurable consequences.One in Six People Affected GloballyAccording to the report, one in six people worldwide experiences loneliness. The impact is most severe among young people and those living in low- and middle-income countries, where systemic inequalities and lack of access to support services compound feelings of social disconnection.WHO defines loneliness as “the distressing feeling that results from a gap between desired and actual social relationships,” while social isolation refers to the objective absence of social ties. Though distinct, both conditions significantly increase the risk of physical and mental health issues.A Paradox in a Digitally Connected World“Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel alone,” noted Chido Mpemba, co-chair of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Her comments highlight a growing paradox: while technology allows unprecedented access to communication, it often fails to deliver meaningful connection.WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed these concerns, stating, “In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely.”The report points to excessive screen time, poor quality of online interactions, and social media pressures as contributing factors to the emotional disconnect experienced by many—especially adolescents and young adults.Health Risks Comparable to Smoking and ObesityThe consequences of prolonged loneliness and social isolation extend far beyond emotional distress. The report highlights links between loneliness and serious health outcomes, including:Increased risk of stroke and heart diseaseType 2 diabetesCognitive decline and dementiaDepression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughtsEarly deathLonely individuals are twice as likely to experience depression, and the overall impact on the body includes heightened inflammation and stress hormone levels—comparable to those found in people who smoke or are obese.“Social connection offers protective benefits throughout life,” the report emphasizes, stating that strong interpersonal ties can improve immune function, boost mental resilience, and extend life expectancy.Inequality and Infrastructure Worsen the ProblemThe burden of loneliness is not distributed equally. WHO identifies several contributing factors that disproportionately affect people in low-resource settings. These include:Poor physical and mental healthLow income and education levelsLack of inclusive public policiesLimited access to transportation, safe spaces, or community servicesWithout adequate infrastructure and inclusive social systems, people are more likely to remain disconnected, creating a cycle of isolation that is difficult to break.WHO’s Roadmap for ActionIn response to this urgent crisis, WHO is urging governments, communities, and individuals to treat social connection as a public health priority. The report outlines a five-part roadmap for coordinated global action:Policy Development: Integrating social connection into national health and social strategies.Research and Data: Improving the measurement of loneliness and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.Scalable Interventions: Supporting local programs that promote engagement and inclusion.Public Engagement: Raising awareness through campaigns and community involvement.Cross-Sector Collaboration: Uniting healthcare, education, transportation, and technology sectors to build supportive environments.“As technology reshapes our lives, we must ensure it strengthens—not weakens—human connection,” Mpemba said.

loneliness is linked to 100 deaths every hour, reveals who

Aarushi Bhadury

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silent sign of high cholesterol can show up in your eyes - here's how you can identify it

Your memories make you and forgetting them can mean changing your entire being. Many people believe that <span>dementia</span> is just when you forget things, but it is a lot more than that. It not only affects your memories, but your behavior and the way you think. 

Dementia, unlike what many people think it is, is a term used to define many different diseases that affect one's memory and ability to perform daily tasks. In 2021, 57 million people were affected with dementia, 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries with 10 million new cases. Being a cognitive degenerative disease, and it may take some time before there are symptoms and by the time you may notice them it 

The earliest stage of dementia is often called "<span>mild cognitive impairment</span>" (MCI). This means there can be small, subtle changes in everyday behavior, even in things like how someone reads. If you've always loved to read a lot but suddenly find it hard to focus, this could be a sign that dementia might be developing. 

<h2>Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) </h2>

Difficulty concentrating is often one of the very first noticeable changes with MCI. You might find it hard to focus on a single task, follow a TV show, or read a book, even if these activities were once easy and enjoyable for you. This persistent inability to concentrate can be a key early indicator. Other early signs can include: 

You might start feeling different emotionally than usual. This could mean becoming more easily frustrated, irritable, anxious, or even withdrawn from social situations, which can be unsettling for both you and your loved ones. 

You might find yourself getting mixed up about the current day of the week, the time of day, or even where you are. This can manifest as forgetting appointments or feeling disoriented in familiar surroundings, causing distress and impacting daily routines. 

Following a group discussion or finding the right words to express yourself can become noticeably harder. You might pause frequently, repeat yourself, or use filler words, making communication frustrating and affecting social interactions. 

Familiar everyday activities, like managing finances, cooking a known recipe, or figuring out the correct change when shopping, might become confusing or difficult to complete without errors. These slips can impact independence and daily living. 

Forgetting things more often than before is a common concern. This might involve recently learned information, important dates, or even recurring events, leading to a noticeable increase in needing reminders or relying on others for memory support. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Common Form of Dementia</span> </h2>

Alzheimer's disease is a very common type of dementia. It often causes memory problems, like frequently forgetting recent events, names, and faces, and leads to asking questions repeatedly. People with Alzheimer's might also find it harder to organize tasks and plans and can easily get confused in new places. They may struggle to find the right words when speaking, have difficulty with numbers or handling money, and might become more withdrawn or anxious. 

While there's no cure for dementia, medicines can help with symptoms as they get worse. For Alzheimer's disease, common medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. 

For people with mild to moderate dementia, cognitive stimulation therapy has shown some benefits. This involves group activities designed to boost memory, problem-solving skills, and language. 

Reminiscence work, which uses personal photos and music, can also help improve the mood of someone with dementia. There's also growing evidence that your diet can play a role in your chances of getting dementia. 

dementia

Early Dementia Sign

Mild Cognitive Impairment

how to identify dementia

Common Form of Dementia

Your memories make you and forgetting them can mean changing your entire being. Many people believe that dementia is just when you forget things, but it is a lot more than that. It not only affects your memories, but your behavior and the way you think. Dementia, unlike what many people think it is, is a term used to define many different diseases that affect one's memory and ability to perform daily tasks. In 2021, 57 million people were affected with dementia, 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries with 10 million new cases. Being a cognitive degenerative disease, and it may take some time before there are symptoms and by the time you may notice them it The earliest stage of dementia is often called "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI). This means there can be small, subtle changes in everyday behavior, even in things like how someone reads. If you've always loved to read a lot but suddenly find it hard to focus, this could be a sign that dementia might be developing. Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Difficulty concentrating is often one of the very first noticeable changes with MCI. You might find it hard to focus on a single task, follow a TV show, or read a book, even if these activities were once easy and enjoyable for you. This persistent inability to concentrate can be a key early indicator. Other early signs can include: Changes in mood You might start feeling different emotionally than usual. This could mean becoming more easily frustrated, irritable, anxious, or even withdrawn from social situations, which can be unsettling for both you and your loved ones. Confusion about time and place You might find yourself getting mixed up about the current day of the week, the time of day, or even where you are. This can manifest as forgetting appointments or feeling disoriented in familiar surroundings, causing distress and impacting daily routines. Struggling with conversations Following a group discussion or finding the right words to express yourself can become noticeably harder. You might pause frequently, repeat yourself, or use filler words, making communication frustrating and affecting social interactions. Trouble with daily tasks Familiar everyday activities, like managing finances, cooking a known recipe, or figuring out the correct change when shopping, might become confusing or difficult to complete without errors. These slips can impact independence and daily living. Memory loss Forgetting things more often than before is a common concern. This might involve recently learned information, important dates, or even recurring events, leading to a noticeable increase in needing reminders or relying on others for memory support. Common Form of Dementia Alzheimer's disease is a very common type of dementia. It often causes memory problems, like frequently forgetting recent events, names, and faces, and leads to asking questions repeatedly. People with Alzheimer's might also find it harder to organize tasks and plans and can easily get confused in new places. They may struggle to find the right words when speaking, have difficulty with numbers or handling money, and might become more withdrawn or anxious. Managing Dementia While there's no cure for dementia, medicines can help with symptoms as they get worse. For Alzheimer's disease, common medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. For people with mild to moderate dementia, cognitive stimulation therapy has shown some benefits. This involves group activities designed to boost memory, problem-solving skills, and language. Reminiscence work, which uses personal photos and music, can also help improve the mood of someone with dementia. There's also growing evidence that your diet can play a role in your chances of getting dementia. 

early dementia sign that becomes apparent when you are reading

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Our lifestyle habits play an important role in how well we live. While some health concerns are more visible, silent killers like <span>high cholesterol</span> should always be kept an eye on because it can have serious health issues. 

Keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels is really important for your health. Too much of this fatty substance in your body can be dangerous because it might block blood vessels, potentially leading to a life-threatening stroke or heart attack. Interestingly, your eyes might give you a clue if your cholesterol is too high. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Yellow Bumps</span> Around Your Eyes </h2>

The American Association of Ophthalmology points out that if you start to see "yellow bumps around the eyes," this could be a sign of dangerously high cholesterol. These bumps are known as xanthelasma, and if you notice them, you should see a doctor right away. 

That's because xanthelasma can sometimes be an early warning sign of three very serious eye conditions: age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and corneal arcus. The good news is a simple blood test can check your cholesterol levels, and your doctor or nurse can discuss the results with you.

<h2>Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers </h2>

When you get your cholesterol tested, the results usually include: 

<ul><li>Total cholesterol: This is the overall amount of cholesterol.</li><li><span rel="noindex">HDL</span> (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Often called "good" cholesterol.</li><li>Non-HDL cholesterol: This is the "bad" cholesterol, and it's a key number to watch.</li></ul>

For a healthy person, a healthy total cholesterol reading should be below 5mmol/L. Your HDL (the good kind) should be above 1mmol/L. Most importantly, your non-HDL reading should ideally be below 4mmol/L. Your doctor might also give you a QRISK score, which estimates your risk of developing a heart or circulation problem over the next 10 years. 

<h2>How Does High Cholesterol Affect Your Health? </h2>

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention having too much cholesterol in your blood can cause a sticky substance called "plaque" to build up on the inside walls of your arteries. Arteries are like pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. 

Over time, as more plaque builds up, these arteries get narrower. This narrowing makes it harder for blood to flow freely to and from your heart and other important organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause chest pain (also called angina) or even a heart attack. 

This cholesterol buildup in your arteries can also greatly increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, which are serious health problems.

<h2>What Puts You At Risk of High Cholesterol?</h2>

Some health problems, like type 2 diabetes and obesity, can raise your risk for high cholesterol. Your daily habits also play a big part. Eating foods high in unhealthy fats (called saturated and trans fats) and not moving your body enough can also increase your risk. For some people, high cholesterol runs in their family, meaning they're more likely to get it too. All these things that increase your chances are called "risk factors." 

You can't change some risk factors, like your age or your family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the things you can control, like your diet and how active you are. 

<h2>Simple Ways to Lower Cholesterol </h2>

The good news is that making small changes to your diet can significantly improve your cholesterol levels. 

For example, instead of choosing items like meat pies or sausages, try to eat oily fish such as mackerel and salmon. You can still enjoy familiar meals; for instance, swap a meat pie for salmon served with mashed potatoes and peas. Also, opt for brown rice instead of white rice, whole grain bread instead of white bread, and wholewheat pasta. 

When you're looking for snacks, choose healthier options like nuts, seeds, and fruit instead of cakes and biscuits. 

Beyond diet, it's also crucial to move your body for at least 20 minutes every day. This could be a brisk walk, swimming, cycling, or playing a sport. The key is to find activities you enjoy, as you're much more likely to stick with them if you do! 

High Cholesterol

yellow bumps

Silent Signs Of High Cholesterol

Signs Of High Cholesterol in your eye

eyes and high cholesterol

Our lifestyle habits play an important role in how well we live. While some health concerns are more visible, silent killers like high cholesterol should always be kept an eye on because it can have serious health issues. Keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels is really important for your health. Too much of this fatty substance in your body can be dangerous because it might block blood vessels, potentially leading to a life-threatening stroke or heart attack. Interestingly, your eyes might give you a clue if your cholesterol is too high. Yellow Bumps Around Your Eyes The American Association of Ophthalmology points out that if you start to see "yellow bumps around the eyes," this could be a sign of dangerously high cholesterol. These bumps are known as xanthelasma, and if you notice them, you should see a doctor right away. That's because xanthelasma can sometimes be an early warning sign of three very serious eye conditions: age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and corneal arcus. The good news is a simple blood test can check your cholesterol levels, and your doctor or nurse can discuss the results with you. Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers When you get your cholesterol tested, the results usually include: Total cholesterol: This is the overall amount of cholesterol.HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Often called "good" cholesterol.Non-HDL cholesterol: This is the "bad" cholesterol, and it's a key number to watch.For a healthy person, a healthy total cholesterol reading should be below 5mmol/L. Your HDL (the good kind) should be above 1mmol/L. Most importantly, your non-HDL reading should ideally be below 4mmol/L. Your doctor might also give you a QRISK score, which estimates your risk of developing a heart or circulation problem over the next 10 years. How Does High Cholesterol Affect Your Health? According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention having too much cholesterol in your blood can cause a sticky substance called "plaque" to build up on the inside walls of your arteries. Arteries are like pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Over time, as more plaque builds up, these arteries get narrower. This narrowing makes it harder for blood to flow freely to and from your heart and other important organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause chest pain (also called angina) or even a heart attack. This cholesterol buildup in your arteries can also greatly increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, which are serious health problems. What Puts You At Risk of High Cholesterol?Some health problems, like type 2 diabetes and obesity, can raise your risk for high cholesterol. Your daily habits also play a big part. Eating foods high in unhealthy fats (called saturated and trans fats) and not moving your body enough can also increase your risk. For some people, high cholesterol runs in their family, meaning they're more likely to get it too. All these things that increase your chances are called "risk factors." You can't change some risk factors, like your age or your family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the things you can control, like your diet and how active you are. Simple Ways to Lower Cholesterol The good news is that making small changes to your diet can significantly improve your cholesterol levels. For example, instead of choosing items like meat pies or sausages, try to eat oily fish such as mackerel and salmon. You can still enjoy familiar meals; for instance, swap a meat pie for salmon served with mashed potatoes and peas. Also, opt for brown rice instead of white rice, whole grain bread instead of white bread, and wholewheat pasta. When you're looking for snacks, choose healthier options like nuts, seeds, and fruit instead of cakes and biscuits. Beyond diet, it's also crucial to move your body for at least 20 minutes every day. This could be a brisk walk, swimming, cycling, or playing a sport. The key is to find activities you enjoy, as you're much more likely to stick with them if you do! 

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Imagine a fourth-grader in a classroom full of chatter and potential. The teacher announces, “Form your groups,” and he waits—scanning faces, hoping someone gestures toward him but no one does. That ache in the chest? That’s not just embarrassment or disappointment it’s rejection—and for kids, it lands with surprising force. Or consider the reality for a teenager who finds out that their friends hosted a dinner party sans their invitation. These experiences are not just momentary disappointments; they can be deeply ingrained in the fabric of our emotions, influencing not just behaviors but our mental well-being.

We often think of rejection as a bruising experience to be avoided. As adults, we know the sting—being passed over for a promotion, left out of a gathering, or ghosted after a second date. But for children navigating their earliest friendships and social landscapes, rejection can feel like a signal flare going off in their brains. And according to new and emerging research, that pain might actually be useful.

Rejection, as it turns out, is more than just a blow to the ego. It’s a biological signal, a teaching moment, and a map to social understanding—especially during childhood. Far from just scarring kids, it can guide them to build stronger, more meaningful relationships, if we understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

<h2>Rejection as a Social Learning Tool</h2>

Social psychology and neuroscience researchers have spent years untangling the emotional toll of rejection and here’s what they’ve found: rejection doesn’t just feel bad—it actually activates the same areas of the brain involved in physical pain. The anterior cingulate cortex, to be specific.

From an evolutionary standpoint, rejection has profound significance. Our ancestors likely cultivated social bonds for survival. In prehistoric times, being excluded from social groups jeopardized one's safety and resource access, rendering social belonging a fundamental human necessity. Hence, our brains evolved to respond with urgency to feelings of rejection; the anterior cingulate cortex—known to activate in response to physical pain—fires up in reaction to social exclusion.

There’s more to it than hurt feelings, as social psychologists puts it, rejection is not just pain—it’s feedback. Neuroscience has revealed intriguing insights into this complex interplay of feelings and actions. In an environment where social dynamics are not static but constantly evolving, children learn to read behaviors, decipher intentions, and refine their assumptions throughout their experiences with peers. Early rejection may lead to reflection on one's behavior, intentions, and ultimately, a more keen ability to navigate future interactions.

In studies where participants were excluded from a simple virtual ball-tossing game, their brains didn’t just light up from distress—they showed signs of processing surprise. That surprise, researchers now believe, may be what turns rejection into a learning signal.

What this means is that the brain doesn’t just say, “Ouch, that hurt.” It says, “Wait, what happened—and what can I do differently next time?” In the social landscape, especially among kids, rejection may actually help refine how they approach relationships in the future. It becomes a kind of emotional GPS—updating their internal models of trust, value, and connection.

<h2>How the Brain Processes Acceptance and Rejection Differently?</h2>

Intriguingly, while an anxious child might avoid disruptive behaviors, a child conditioned to anticipate rejection might instead develop a more rebellious stance against peer conformity. This indicates that rejection can lead to various coping mechanisms, thereby influencing children’s decision-making processes when navigating peer relationships.

Recent research has found that the brain treats social rejection and acceptance as distinct—but complementary—forms of learning.

When someone experiences acceptance, areas like the ventral striatum activate. That’s the part of the brain associated with rewards like praise, money, or affection. In contrast, the anterior cingulate cortex processes social devaluation or rejection—but not just as emotional pain. It recalibrates a person’s sense of social standing, helping them update beliefs about where they stand in the group.

So when kids are rejected, especially unexpectedly, their brains are doing more than just hurting. They’re recalculating relational value: Who likes me? Who doesn’t? Who can I trust?

That recalibration can actually lead to better social decision-making. It helps kids discern between relationships worth investing in and those that may not be safe or reciprocal. That’s a skill they’ll need their entire lives.

While rejection can serve as a powerful teacher, it’s not experienced the same way by every child. New research from the University of Georgia reveals two key reactions in children who are sensitive to rejection:

Rejection Expectancy: A cognitive pattern where children assume they’ll be rejected.

Anxious Rejection Anticipation: An emotional state where the child fears being excluded, even without evidence.

These patterns show up in fascinating—and sometimes contradictory—ways.

Children who fear rejection tend to conform more. They try harder in school, follow rules more closely, and avoid troublemaking behaviors. In essence, they try to stay in good standing by blending in and performing well.

On the other hand, children who expect rejection often resist conforming. They’re less likely to follow group norms or academic expectations, perhaps because they’ve already assumed there’s no reward in fitting in.

This split in behavior shows that rejection isn’t just a one-size-fits-all experience. How a child interprets rejection—cognitively and emotionally—shapes whether it motivates connection or fuels isolation.

<h2>When Rejection Teaches the Wrong Lessons?</h2>

Of course, not all rejection leads to growth. Chronic or repeated social exclusion—especially in environments marked by bullying or relational aggression—can reinforce a child’s belief that they are unworthy of connection. This can lead to emotional withdrawal, aggression, or symptoms of depression, often before those children even have the language to articulate their pain.

Children who don’t receive support after rejection may also misread future social cues, seeing threats where none exist. In extreme cases, this hypersensitivity can contribute to the development of conditions like borderline personality disorder, which is often characterized by unstable relationships and intense emotional responses to both praise and criticism.

That’s why parental and educator intervention is crucial. Teaching children to understand and regulate their emotional responses to rejection—and to make sense of their social world—is just as important as teaching math or reading.

When kids experience rejection, adults often respond with platitudes: “They’re just jealous,” or “You don’t need them anyway.” But these responses, though well-meaning, can invalidate a child’s feelings or prevent them from developing the skills to handle future rejection constructively. Instead, adults can:

Normalize rejection as part of social life. Explain that everyone feels excluded sometimes, and it doesn’t define their worth.

Help children distinguish between one-off slights and patterns of exclusion. Was it a misunderstanding, or is it part of a larger trend?

Support emotional regulation. Teach children to manage anger, sadness, and shame without suppressing them.

Model healthy responses to rejection in their own lives. Kids learn from watching how adults handle setbacks.

Ultimately, rejection teaches kids how to belong. It helps them calibrate their expectations, recognize which friendships are reciprocal, and learn how to show up more authentically in relationships.

When rejection is met with support, reflection, and context, it can become a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper connection.

child rejection psychology

social rejection in kids

rejection sensitivity in children

childhood social development

kids and peer pressure

how kids build friendships

emotional development in children

Imagine a fourth-grader in a classroom full of chatter and potential. The teacher announces, “Form your groups,” and he waits—scanning faces, hoping someone gestures toward him but no one does. That ache in the chest? That’s not just embarrassment or disappointment it’s rejection—and for kids, it lands with surprising force. Or consider the reality for a teenager who finds out that their friends hosted a dinner party sans their invitation. These experiences are not just momentary disappointments; they can be deeply ingrained in the fabric of our emotions, influencing not just behaviors but our mental well-being.We often think of rejection as a bruising experience to be avoided. As adults, we know the sting—being passed over for a promotion, left out of a gathering, or ghosted after a second date. But for children navigating their earliest friendships and social landscapes, rejection can feel like a signal flare going off in their brains. And according to new and emerging research, that pain might actually be useful.Rejection, as it turns out, is more than just a blow to the ego. It’s a biological signal, a teaching moment, and a map to social understanding—especially during childhood. Far from just scarring kids, it can guide them to build stronger, more meaningful relationships, if we understand what’s happening beneath the surface.Rejection as a Social Learning ToolSocial psychology and neuroscience researchers have spent years untangling the emotional toll of rejection and here’s what they’ve found: rejection doesn’t just feel bad—it actually activates the same areas of the brain involved in physical pain. The anterior cingulate cortex, to be specific.From an evolutionary standpoint, rejection has profound significance. Our ancestors likely cultivated social bonds for survival. In prehistoric times, being excluded from social groups jeopardized one's safety and resource access, rendering social belonging a fundamental human necessity. Hence, our brains evolved to respond with urgency to feelings of rejection; the anterior cingulate cortex—known to activate in response to physical pain—fires up in reaction to social exclusion.There’s more to it than hurt feelings, as social psychologists puts it, rejection is not just pain—it’s feedback. Neuroscience has revealed intriguing insights into this complex interplay of feelings and actions. In an environment where social dynamics are not static but constantly evolving, children learn to read behaviors, decipher intentions, and refine their assumptions throughout their experiences with peers. Early rejection may lead to reflection on one's behavior, intentions, and ultimately, a more keen ability to navigate future interactions.In studies where participants were excluded from a simple virtual ball-tossing game, their brains didn’t just light up from distress—they showed signs of processing surprise. That surprise, researchers now believe, may be what turns rejection into a learning signal.What this means is that the brain doesn’t just say, “Ouch, that hurt.” It says, “Wait, what happened—and what can I do differently next time?” In the social landscape, especially among kids, rejection may actually help refine how they approach relationships in the future. It becomes a kind of emotional GPS—updating their internal models of trust, value, and connection.How the Brain Processes Acceptance and Rejection Differently?Intriguingly, while an anxious child might avoid disruptive behaviors, a child conditioned to anticipate rejection might instead develop a more rebellious stance against peer conformity. This indicates that rejection can lead to various coping mechanisms, thereby influencing children’s decision-making processes when navigating peer relationships.Recent research has found that the brain treats social rejection and acceptance as distinct—but complementary—forms of learning.When someone experiences acceptance, areas like the ventral striatum activate. That’s the part of the brain associated with rewards like praise, money, or affection. In contrast, the anterior cingulate cortex processes social devaluation or rejection—but not just as emotional pain. It recalibrates a person’s sense of social standing, helping them update beliefs about where they stand in the group.So when kids are rejected, especially unexpectedly, their brains are doing more than just hurting. They’re recalculating relational value: Who likes me? Who doesn’t? Who can I trust?That recalibration can actually lead to better social decision-making. It helps kids discern between relationships worth investing in and those that may not be safe or reciprocal. That’s a skill they’ll need their entire lives.While rejection can serve as a powerful teacher, it’s not experienced the same way by every child. New research from the University of Georgia reveals two key reactions in children who are sensitive to rejection:Rejection Expectancy: A cognitive pattern where children assume they’ll be rejected.Anxious Rejection Anticipation: An emotional state where the child fears being excluded, even without evidence.These patterns show up in fascinating—and sometimes contradictory—ways.Children who fear rejection tend to conform more. They try harder in school, follow rules more closely, and avoid troublemaking behaviors. In essence, they try to stay in good standing by blending in and performing well.On the other hand, children who expect rejection often resist conforming. They’re less likely to follow group norms or academic expectations, perhaps because they’ve already assumed there’s no reward in fitting in.This split in behavior shows that rejection isn’t just a one-size-fits-all experience. How a child interprets rejection—cognitively and emotionally—shapes whether it motivates connection or fuels isolation.When Rejection Teaches the Wrong Lessons?Of course, not all rejection leads to growth. Chronic or repeated social exclusion—especially in environments marked by bullying or relational aggression—can reinforce a child’s belief that they are unworthy of connection. This can lead to emotional withdrawal, aggression, or symptoms of depression, often before those children even have the language to articulate their pain.Children who don’t receive support after rejection may also misread future social cues, seeing threats where none exist. In extreme cases, this hypersensitivity can contribute to the development of conditions like borderline personality disorder, which is often characterized by unstable relationships and intense emotional responses to both praise and criticism.That’s why parental and educator intervention is crucial. Teaching children to understand and regulate their emotional responses to rejection—and to make sense of their social world—is just as important as teaching math or reading.What Can Adults Do to Help?When kids experience rejection, adults often respond with platitudes: “They’re just jealous,” or “You don’t need them anyway.” But these responses, though well-meaning, can invalidate a child’s feelings or prevent them from developing the skills to handle future rejection constructively. Instead, adults can:Normalize rejection as part of social life. Explain that everyone feels excluded sometimes, and it doesn’t define their worth.Help children distinguish between one-off slights and patterns of exclusion. Was it a misunderstanding, or is it part of a larger trend?Support emotional regulation. Teach children to manage anger, sadness, and shame without suppressing them.Model healthy responses to rejection in their own lives. Kids learn from watching how adults handle setbacks.Ultimately, rejection teaches kids how to belong. It helps them calibrate their expectations, recognize which friendships are reciprocal, and learn how to show up more authentically in relationships.When rejection is met with support, reflection, and context, it can become a bridge—not a barrier—to deeper connection.

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