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Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection

Written by

Camille R. Evangelista

Published

Last updated

March 7, 2022 at 7:44:14 AM

March 7, 2022 at 7:44:14 AM

A good life is one where you have someone to share it with whether you are with others or not. As individuals, social connection is essential to every aspect of our health. Social connectedness shows us that having a strong bond in our community makes our physical, mental, emotionally strong, and healthy because when we are with other people, we weren't able to think that we are alone in life. When we are alone, we may feel depressed, anxious and it is not good for our mental health.


According to one research, social isolation had a larger impact on health than fatness, smoking, and hypertension. Strong social ties, on the other hand, are associated with a 50% increase in lifespan. As such, having a connection to others can boost our immune system and help us to prevent mental illness and may even live longer and happier.


Unfortunately, research suggests that loneliness is on the rise. Despite its obvious relevance for health and survival, research indicates that social connection in the United States is dwindling at an alarming rate. In 1985, the average number of close others (i.e., individuals with whom one feels safe disclosing a personal problem) that Americans reported having was just three, according to revealing sociological research. It fell to zero in 2004, with over 25% of Americans claiming they have no one to confide in. Additionally, individuals who have low social interaction are more prone to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal behavior which is more likely to further increase loneliness and isolation.


As we are facing a pandemic, people are encouraged to stay at home. As such, it is important for us to have a strong bond with people because being connected to others makes us feel safe and secure, being loved and belonging, making us feel important, and makes our quality of life improved. Social life is extremely important, we are meant to be with someone or some friends and family at least in life to share our happiness and it would not be a life of human beings without that. We are humans and humans need other humans. We need to live together for us to find and build happiness and belongingness.


 

References:


Seppala, E. (2017, June 28). Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection. The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/

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