A STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL-ANALYSIS OF A 2-DIMENSIONAL MODEL OF SOCIAL-ISOLATION

Evidence is provided for the structural and functional divergence of t wo dimensions of social isolation: withdrawal (i.e., voluntary withdra wal from peers) and isolation (i.e., active isolation by peers). Where as withdrawal refers to a child's isolation from the group due to anxi ety about social interaction, isolation refers to isolation from the g roup as a result of being excluded from the group by peers. Using a sa mple of school-age boys and girls (N = 236), the divergence is demonst rated between these dimensions in two ways. First, confirmatory factor analysis showed these dimensions to be interrelated but empirically d istinct constructs. Second, these hva dimensions differed significantl y in their predictive outcomes, with isolation being a better predicto r of externalizing behavior, and withdrawal being a better predictor o f internalizing behavior.