Evidence Library

How do we develop close social bonds?

Explore research-backed strategies for initiating, forming, and maintaining close social relationships. This evidence brief provides actionable insights for developing meaningful connections and fostering strong, supportive relationships.

How can we promote social health?

Social health is essential for overall well-being, yet loneliness and social isolation are widespread and pose serious risks to physical and mental health. This evidence brief explores the most effective health promotion strategies to foster social connection and combat loneliness at population levels.

How does our childhood shape social wellbeing?

Uncover the profound impact of childhood experiences on social wellbeing and loneliness throughout life. Explore how attachment styles and early adversity shape social health and discover strategies to foster resilience and healthy social development.

What are the economic costs of loneliness?

Explore how loneliness and social isolation affect the economy and learn about the potential benefits of investing in social connection initiatives in our comprehensive evidence brief.

How do social contexts shape substance use?

Explore how social environments shape substance use and addiction. Learn about the key social factors influencing substance use patterns and how enhancing social support can aid in prevention and recovery.

How can Indigenous wisdom foster belonging?

Explore how reconnecting with Indigenous culture and practices enhances social connection and well-being, offering valuable insights into addressing modern challenges of loneliness and social isolation.

How common are loneliness and isolation?

Learn about the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation, their impact on mental and physical health, and the need for better public health investments to address these growing concerns. Explore evidence-based findings on how common these conditions are across diverse populations.

What is the value of social connection guidelines?

Explore how public health guidelines for social connection can address the growing crisis of loneliness and social isolation, enhancing individual and community well-being.

Is loneliness a social problem?

Understand how loneliness transcends individual experiences to become a significant social issue, affecting public health and community cohesion. Learn about the socio-cultural factors contributing to loneliness and the imperative for community-driven solutions.

Can medications be used to solve loneliness?

Research suggests that medications could potentially address loneliness by targeting its physiological components, but current evidence remains inconclusive. A holistic approach focusing on both medical and social solutions is recommended for tackling loneliness.

Are social relationships always beneficial?

Social relationships are essential for health and wellbeing, but not all connections are positive. Learn about the challenges and potential harms of low-quality relationships, and explore strategies to foster healthier social connections.

How do major life events shape social health?

Explore how significant life changes like job loss, marriage, relocation, and health incidents impact social wellbeing. This evidence brief reveals how major life events influence social connections and highlights strategies to foster resilience and maintain social health during transitions.

Should we make eating together a priority?

Explore the social and health benefits of eating together and learn how shared meals can strengthen community bonds and improve well-being. Discover why prioritizing social eating can lead to healthier, more connected lives.

What are the benefits of renewing old friendships?

Reaching out to old friends can improve mental health, build social capital, and revive meaningful connections. Reviving dormant relationships requires minimal effort, especially through social media, but can lead to significant social and emotional rewards.

What is the value of socializing at work?

Explore the importance of workplace socializing for improving employee well-being and reducing loneliness. Learn how building positive relationships at work can enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

Does the built environment shape loneliness?

Explore the impact of urban design, housing types, and community infrastructure on social connections and loneliness in our comprehensive evidence brief.

Is there community in encampments?

Explore the vital role of encampments in providing social connections, safety, and a sense of belonging for individuals experiencing homelessness in our comprehensive evidence brief.

What drives social health inequalities?

Explore the key drivers behind social health inequalities and learn how stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion contribute to loneliness. Discover strategies for reducing social health disparities and promoting inclusion across communities.

What are the benefits of being partnered?

Explore how romantic relationships impact social health and overall well-being, and understand the role of relationship quality in enhancing life satisfaction.

How can we promote disability inclusion?

Enhancing social participation for people with disabilities requires removing accessibility barriers, reducing stigma, and creating inclusive environments. Supporting disability inclusion can improve overall wellbeing and reduce social isolation through targeted interventions and community engagement.

Does social cognition impact social health?

Discover how social cognition impacts social health and how our thoughts and beliefs shape social connections. Learn evidence-based insights into how overcoming maladaptive social beliefs can improve well-being and reduce loneliness.

Do pets help with loneliness?

Pets can provide companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness, especially for individuals at high risk of social isolation. Understanding the social benefits of pet ownership can inform policies to promote pet-friendly environments and support systems for those who find comfort in their pets.

Can social prescribing support social health?

Discover how social prescribing can enhance social health by addressing non-medical needs, promoting community connections, and reducing loneliness. Learn how this holistic approach is transforming healthcare by supporting mental and social well-being.

How does loneliness change with age?

Explore how loneliness varies across different stages of life, uncovering the peaks, patterns, and influencing factors to better address social well-being at every age.

Does volunteering support social health?

Discover how volunteering can enhance social and mental well-being, reduce loneliness, and improve physical health. Learn the conditions that optimize these benefits and why sustained volunteerism can foster better social health outcomes.

What are the benefits of prosocial behaviour?

Discover how engaging in prosocial behaviors, such as small acts of kindness, can improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and strengthen social connections. Learn more about the science-backed benefits of helping others for both givers and recipients.

What is technology’s impact on social health?

Explore how digital technologies impact social health, from enhancing connections to potential risks like loneliness and disconnection. Learn how to use technology to foster meaningful relationships while avoiding harmful patterns.

How can people cope with loneliness?

Explore evidence-based interventions and personal coping mechanisms to overcome loneliness in our comprehensive evidence brief.

What are students’ social health needs?

Discover the key social health needs of post-secondary students and how loneliness and anxiety affect their well-being. Learn about interventions to improve social connection and mental health among students.

What are the social needs of racialized people?

Discover how systemic racism impacts the social wellbeing of racialized communities in Canada and learn about effective strategies to enhance social inclusion and connection.

How does individualism shape social health?

Explore the benefits and challenges of individualistic and collectivistic cultural orientations and their impact on our social connections in this comprehensive evidence brief.

Should birds of a feather flock together?

Explore how the composition of our social networks—whether with similar or diverse individuals—affects our individual and collective wellbeing in this comprehensive evidence brief.

What is social health?

Discover how social health—our relationships and interactions—profoundly impacts physical and mental well-being. This brief explores key dimensions like loneliness, social isolation, and social support, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections.

Is it good or bad to talk to strangers?

Talking to strangers may seem daunting, but research shows it can boost well-being, reduce loneliness, and foster community. Learn how casual conversations with strangers enhance social health and why we should embrace these interactions in everyday life.

How can we improve 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion?

Discover evidence-based interventions to improve social inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Our comprehensive evidence brief explores key strategies across families, schools, workplaces, communities, and socio-political contexts.

What shapes our social health?

Explore how individual traits, interpersonal relationships, community environments, and societal structures shape our social health in this comprehensive evidence brief.

Is it good to spend time alone?

Time spent alone can offer opportunities for self-reflection, creativity, and rejuvenation, but too much isolation can harm wellbeing. Discover how solitude can positively shape your life, and when it may become detrimental to mental health.

Do people have different social needs?

Understand how individual variations in personality, attachment styles, and cultural factors influence social behavior and why social connection is essential for everyone's well-being.

How much social time do we need?

Discover how much social time you need to avoid loneliness and improve well-being. Learn about the ideal balance of social interaction to maintain strong relationships and emotional health.

What is the role of “the self” in loneliness?

Explore the critical role of "the self" in loneliness, focusing on how self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy influence social well-being. Learn about evidence-based strategies to improve self-perception and reduce loneliness.

How many friends do you need?

Research shows that having more close friendships can significantly enhance health and reduce loneliness. Learn the optimal number of close relationships to maintain for mental and social wellbeing based on insights from the latest studies.

Does social connection differ across genders?

Discover the nuanced ways gender impacts social behaviors, relationships, and mental health in our comprehensive evidence brief examining differences and similarities across genders.

How to promote inclusion for newcomers?

Promoting social inclusion for newcomers is vital to fostering their wellbeing and sense of belonging in Canada. Discover evidence-based strategies for improving social integration, reducing loneliness, and celebrating cultural diversity within communities.

What are the benefits of making new social connections?

Building new social connections is essential for improving mental health, happiness, and wellbeing. Learn how forming new relationships contributes to expanding your social support network and provides valuable emotional, professional, and social benefits.

What is the ideal size of a ‘get together’?

Explore the ideal number of attendees for social events to maximize enjoyment and meaningful interactions based on psychological and social research.

Does it matter who we socialize with?

The quality and diversity of our social relationships play a crucial role in shaping our health and wellbeing. Learn how different types of social connections, from close family to acquaintances, contribute to emotional and social health.

What is the role of social anxiety in loneliness?

Discover how social anxiety contributes to loneliness and why addressing it may be key to fostering better social connections. Learn about the evidence-based link between social anxiety and loneliness in this comprehensive review.

Is it good for people to live alone?

Discover the impact of solo living on health, exploring whether living alone contributes to poorer health outcomes or if it offers unique benefits for individual well-being.