Social connection and living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative analysis

Brighton, Lisa Jane, Bristowe, Katherine, Evans, Catherine, Farquhar, Morag, Man, William D-C., Ogden, Margaret, Phillips, Andy, Maddocks, Matthew and Chilcot, Joseph (2025) Social connection and living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Health Psychology. ISSN 1359-1053 (In Press)

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Abstract

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. However, social dimensions are frequently overlooked in respiratory care. We aimed to explore the role of social connection in living with COPD, including influences on health and function. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 19 people with COPD (median age 78 years [range 58-88]; 14 with severe obstruction). Three themes were identified: social connection supports COPD self-management, the ‘triple threat’ of COPD to social connection, and the inseparable nature of social health. Participants described how worsening symptoms, particularly breathlessness, contribute to disconnection through physical restrictions, psychological reactions, and societal unawareness, with negative impacts on self-management and wider physical and psychological health. We conclude that social connections become increasingly valuable, yet increasingly difficult to maintain, as COPD progresses. Supporting individuals to maintain connections within a biopsychosocial approach may unlock wider health benefits.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Data availability statement: All data requests should be submitted to Prof Matthew Maddocks (matthew.maddocks@kcl.ac.uk) for consideration. Access to anonymised data might be granted following investigator review.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,qualitative research,social support,social isolation,loneliness,biopsychosocial model
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	09 Jan 2026 11:30
Last Modified:	09 Jan 2026 11:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101575
DOI:	issn:1359-1053

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