Build a strong social network with a variety of kinds of relationships

Confidence

Quality of Evidence

The evidence supporting the importance of building a strong and diverse social network is of moderate quality. A substantial body of research supports the importance of high quality relationships with others. Larger networks are also generally observed to be beneficial, presuming network size does not come at the expense of relationship quality. Furthermore, limited research indicates that having a diverse range of social connections contributes to better mental and physical health, resilience, and life satisfaction. Studies have shown that diverse social networks—encompassing family, friends, colleagues, and community members—can provide varied forms of support that are useful in different contexts. However, the quality of evidence varies depending on the specific population studied and the types of relationships considered, which introduces some variability. Relatively few studies test specifically for the effects of relationship diversity. As such, continued research on the diversity of social networks is needed. However, the evidence that is available generally supports the guideline as presented.

Balance of Benefits and Harms

The balance of benefits versus harms of building a diverse social network is strongly in favor of benefits. Diverse social networks provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to overall wellbeing. However, there are potential harms from this guideline, including the emotional toll of managing multiple, diverse, and disconnected social ties beyond an individuals capacity, potentially wasting time and effort required to cultivate multiple relationships, and the risk that individuals with limited social resources might spread themselves too thin thus undermining the quality of their most important relationships. Weighing these benefits and harms, we believe that the benefits of promoting the development of a strong and diverse social network outweigh potential risks for most people.

Alignment with Values and Preferences

This guideline is likely to align well with the values and preferences of most individuals, as humans typically seek out and benefit from a variety of social relationships. The recommendation to diversify social connections is appealing to those who value social support, inclusivity, and resilience. While some individuals may prefer a smaller, more intimate social network, the guideline’s flexibility in defining different types of relationships makes it highly acceptable across different personality types and social preferences. We acknowledge that not all individuals will have the opportunity to develop meaningful connections in all areas of their lives, and believe the guideline is flexible enough to ensure network diversity without being overly prescriptive. As such, we believe this guideline will align well with those seeking to adhere to it.

Feasibility

The feasibility of building a strong social network with a variety of relationships is moderate. While most people want to have a healthy social life, the practical implementation may be challenging for people with limited social opportunities, such as individuals living in isolated environments or experiencing social anxiety. As well, significant social and economic barriers may limit people’s abilities to engage meaningfully with diverse others. Many individuals may find themselves in situations with limited social contacts and may struggle to break out of these relationships. Despite the challenges that some individuals may face, the guideline’s advice to be open to new connections and to diversify social interactions across various life domains offers practical steps that can be adapted to individual circumstances, increasing its overall feasibility.

Certainty of Recommendation

Based on our assessment of the above criteria, we are confident that building a strong social network is important to shaping wellbeing. Our primary reservations relate to the social and structural barriers that make social interactions possible, the lack of direct empirical evidence informing the optimal size of social networks, and individual variations in social needs. Nevertheless, we believe the likelihood that additional information or evidence would cause us to reverse this recommendation is low. Future research may allow for better tailored guidelines on this topic.

Overall Assessment

The overall rating for this guideline is Strong Recommendation, Moderate Quality of Evidence.