PsychologyJuly 17, 2026

insularity

/ˌɪn.sjəˈlær.ə.t̬i/

Definition

The state of being isolated from outside influences or perspectives, resulting in a narrow, inward-looking, or exclusionary environment.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'insula,' meaning 'island.' It entered English to describe someone living on an island, eventually evolving to metaphorically describe a narrow or detached mindset.

In the news

In the article, the author uses the term to describe how the academic research community keeps its findings within an 'in-crowd,' creating barriers that prevent clinicians and the public from accessing up-to-date scientific developments.

Lizard Brains and Hidden Knowledge

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Psychology Today

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