Impact of Social Isolation on Children's Emotional Development

Objective: To investigate the impact of social isolation on children’s emotional development in order to devise effective intervention strategies for this group. Theoretical Framework: Children’s emotional development is intrinsically linked to the relationship established with a caregiver, a role mostly performed by the maternal figure. In the context of social isolation, family interaction and emotional instability increase, with high levels of anxiety, insecurity and fear. Method: Four children, aged 7 and 8 (two boys, two girls) participed in this clinical-qualitative research A questionnaire was administered to the mother to gather information about the child's development; a work of art was presented to the children and then asked to tell a story based on it. Data collection was conducted online. Each meeting was transcribed as Transferential Narratives, analyzed using the psychoanalytic method of free inspection of the material. Results and Discussion: The results point to childhood anxieties caused by changes in routine and idleness, constant state of alertness and fear that impact creative expression and social interaction. Themes such as survival, aggressiveness and orality emerged, revealing emotional needs that were not sufficiently met. Research Implications: Pandemic-related social isolation intensified existing difficulties in family dynamics and added new sources of distress for children, which are harmful to emotional maturation. Originality/Value: This research highlights that intense family interaction does not always benefit children, especially when parental figures also need care. Its relevance lies in considering effective intervention strategies for the mother-child dyad, broadening efforts toward the children’s mental health.