The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to social interactions, particularly in educational settings. The research article "Social distancing as a critical test of the micro-sociology of solidarity" by Randall Collins provides valuable insights into how social distancing and remote interactions impact solidarity and emotional energy. These findings can be particularly beneficial for practitioners at TinyEYE, who provide online therapy services to schools. By understanding and implementing the outcomes of this research, practitioners can enhance their skills and create better outcomes for children.
Key Insights from the Research
- Interaction Rituals (IR): Successful IRs generate social solidarity, emotional energy, collective symbols, and moralities of right and wrong. These are crucial for maintaining social cohesion and individual well-being.
- Importance of Co-Presence: Physical co-presence facilitates mutual focus, shared emotion, and rhythmic entrainment, which are essential for successful IRs. The lack of co-presence during the pandemic has weakened these interactions.
- Remote Interactions: Electronic media interactions, such as video conferencing, can supplement but not fully replace face-to-face interactions. They often result in "Zoom fatigue" due to the lack of full sensory engagement and feedback.
Implementing Research Outcomes in Online Therapy
Practitioners can leverage these insights to improve online therapy sessions:
- Enhance Engagement: Use interactive activities and visual aids to maintain mutual focus and shared emotion during sessions.
- Monitor Emotional Energy: Regularly check in with students to gauge their emotional energy and adjust activities to keep them motivated and engaged.
- Foster Social Solidarity: Create opportunities for group interactions, such as virtual group therapy sessions, to build a sense of community and belonging among students.
Encouraging Further Research
While the research provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of remote interactions on social solidarity and emotional energy. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and incorporate new findings into their practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Social distancing as a critical test of the micro-sociology of solidarity.
