The major health implications of social connection

Question 1

What is the function of social connection?

Answer 1

• Evolutionarily: Survival function
• Neuroscientists: Brains are “wired” to be social

Question 2

What is the structural approach of social connection?

Answer 2

Focus on aspects such as network size, the number of social roles a person has, whether one is living alone or with others, etc.

Question 3

What is the functional approach of social connection?

Answer 3

Focus on aspects such as the received or perceived availability of social support, resources, and aid.

Question 4

What is the quality approach of social connection?

Answer 4

Focus on the quality of relations such as satisfaction, strain, and adjustment.

Question 5

What is social connection?

Answer 5

An umbrella term that encompasses the structure, functions, and quality of social relationships.
High social connection is associated with protection and low social connection is associated with risk.

Question 6

What is the influence of social connection on mortality?

Answer 6

Both subjective (loneliness) and objective (social isolation and living alone) indicators of social disconnection were significant predictors of mortality risk.

Question 7

What is the influence of social connection on morbidity?

Answer 7

Social disconnection is associated with several physical-health outcomes, including Type 2 diabetes, susceptibility to cold viruses and upper respiratory illnesses, and pulmonary function, as well as with health-related lifestyles behaviours.

Question 8

What are the mechanisms behind the relationship between social connection and mortality/morbidity?

Answer 8

• Psychological factors including stress and depression.
• Behavioural factors including sleep, physical activity, and smoking.
• Biological factors such as inflammation.