The Benefits of Social Connection
GOAL: Emphasize that connection, friendship, and supportive relationships improve well-being, resilience, and health.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “social support wellbeing,” “social relationships mental health,” “friendship quality health outcomes.”
EXAMPLE STUDIES: Umberson, D. & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. — argues that both the quantity and quality of social ties influence mental health, health behaviors, physical health, and mortality risk.
Found: Strong relationships protect against stress, illness, and early mortality.
GOAL: Show that meaningful social connections in early life can lead to better long-term physical health, including heart health and lower obesity risk.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “peer relationships health,” “social connection cardiovascular health,” “friendship and long-term wellbeing.”
EXAMPLE STUDY: Cundiff, J. M. & Matthews, K. A. (2018). Friends with Health Benefits: The Long-Term Benefits of Early Peer Social Integration for Blood Pressure and Obesity in Midlife. Psychological Science. Found that people who were more socially connected with peers during childhood and adolescence had healthier blood pressure and lower obesity rates in midlife—showing how early friendships can have lasting health effects.
Found: Early friendships predict better heart health and lower obesity later in life.
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