On external stressors
It is not quarantine itself that is causing negative mental health outcomes, but the stressors that come with most quarantines.
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Context
A person who self-quarantines but can continue to work and is not concerned for their future financial security has less reason to stress in quarantine.
The Argument
If people are going into quarantine with no income, and no guarantee that they will still have their job when the pandemic subsides, they are far more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes from quarantine.
Counter arguments
This only makes a small difference. The worst impacts of quarantine on our mental health are caused by reduced social interaction and physical contact with loved ones. Financial security is not enough to offset the mental stress of losing physical contact with friends and family.
Proponents
Premises
[P1] It isn't quarantine that makes us stressed, it is the uncertainty that arises from a global pandemic.
[P2] Therefore, those with increased certainty, will have more positive mental health outcomes than those with more uncertainty.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] The act of quarantining and cutting ourselves off from friends and family also makes us stressed.