Final answer:
It is false that social isolation only impacts physical health; it also significantly affects mental health. Social support has been linked to increased longevity and better overall well-being, with research suggesting strong social ties can improve survival rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that social isolation impacts only physical health is false. In fact, social isolation can have significant consequences on both physical and mental health. Social support has been shown to be a critical psychosocial factor influencing health outcomes. Research, including a groundbreaking study by Berkman & Syme in 1979, has found that those lacking social and community ties had higher mortality rates than those with stronger social networks. These findings are supported by subsequent studies, such as the one by Holt-Lunstad, Smith, & Layton, which analyzed data from 148 studies and found that individuals with stronger social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how social isolation can lead to exacerbated mental health issues, such as depression, in addition to impacting physical health and social well-being.