Immersing oneself in the world of psychological research, one cannot help but notice an extremely interesting phenomenon—self-isolation, present both in normal individuality and in pathological forms of behavior.

Self-Isolation in the Realm of Psychological Types

Immersing oneself in the world of psychological research, one cannot help but notice an extremely interesting phenomenon—self-isolation, present both in normal individuality and in pathological forms of behavior. Researchers note that some people, whether consciously or even subconsciously, withdraw from social activities, choosing instead to focus on the richness of their inner world, thereby depriving themselves of interest in collective life.

This type of behavior is described in considerable detail in several literary sources, where it is emphasized that the “self” of these individuals lacks the desire to participate in society. However, when it comes to more extreme manifestations, such as the urge to retreat into virtual reality, there is a transition to pathology: a loss of internal bearings and a subdued interaction with the surrounding world.

It is important to recognize that such an analysis not only sheds light on the subtleties of psychological types prone to self-isolation, but also allows us to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind the formation of social personality. In this context, each of us might consider the balance between personal autonomy and the need for social exchange—this very balance helps maintain harmony both within ourselves and in the collective.

Are there any categories or subgroups in psychology that are characterized by a tendency toward self-isolation and a reluctance to meddle in the affairs of others?

In psychological literature, descriptions of psychological types that demonstrate such tendencies do exist. For instance, one source ( link txt) provides a very detailed characterization of various types, describing individuals whose “self” lacks social interests, does not display social activity, and is indifferent to the fate of society. It is noted that such a characterization may be inherent in people who consciously or subconsciously seclude themselves from the social environment, as if “retreating from it” and focusing on their own inner lives. This indicates that within the framework of psychological typologies there exist categories where self-isolation is a defining trait.

It is also worth noting the reference to more severe manifestations of self-isolation described in connection with pathology (as, for example, in the description of “setemania” from source link txt). Here, it is emphasized that along with the loss of internal bearings and a general reduction in social engagement, there is a tendency to retreat deeply into virtual reality. Although in this case the behavior is more closely associated with disturbances in mental state, it also reflects a proclivity for isolation and a reluctance to participate in real social life.

Thus, the presented materials confirm that in psychology there are both descriptions of psychological types inclined toward self-isolation and analyses of pathological forms of such behavior.

Supporting citation(s):
"Man is neither alone nor unsocial. In this case, the 'self' is also adapted to the social environment, in tune and harmonious with collective life, with the consciousness socialized, but the 'self' lacks social interests, does not show social activity, and is indifferent to the fates of society..." (source: link txt)
"Setegolics experience an insatiable desire to repeatedly immerse themselves in the world of virtual reality and remain there for extended periods... leading to profound changes in personality — self-isolation..." (source: link txt)