Welcome to our Research Studies Collection, where you can explore the latest evidence supporting our public health guidelines for social connection. This curated library features a range of studies that highlight the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and promoting social wellbeing across diverse populations and life stages. You can filter the studies by guideline, topic, or population to find the research most relevant to your needs. Whether you're a health professional, policymaker, or researcher, this collection is designed to provide valuable insights into the science behind social connection and its impact on individual and community health.
Social Connection as a Public Health Issue: The Evidence and a Systemic Framework for Prioritizing the “Social” in Social Determinants of Health
There is growing interest in and renewed support for prioritizing social factors in public health both in the USA and globally. While there are multiple widely recognized social determinants of health, indicators of social connectedness (e.g., social capital, social support, social isolation, loneliness) are often noticeably absent from the discourse. This article provides an organizing framework for conceptualizing social connection and summarizes the cumulative evidence supporting its relevance for health, including epidemiological associations, pathways, and biological mechanisms. This evidence points to several implications for prioritizing social connection within solutions across sectors, where public health work, initiatives, and research play a key role in addressing gaps. Therefore, this review proposes a systemic framework for cross-sector action to identify missed opportunities and guide future investigation, intervention, practice, and policy on promoting social connection and health for all.
Older adults talk technology: Technology usage and attitudes
Year
2024
Description
This study explores the technology usage and attitudes of older adults through focus group discussions, revealing that they generally hold positive views about technology, highlighting its convenience and usefulness in their daily lives. Despite some concerns about security and reliability, the overall perception suggests that the benefits of technology outweigh its drawbacks, challenging stereotypes about older adults' reluctance to engage with new technologies.
Mitzner, T. L., Boron, J. B., Fausset, C. B., Adams, A. E., Charness, N., Czaja, S. J., Dijkstra, K., Fisk, A. D., Rogers, W. A., & Sharit, J. (2010). Older adults talk technology: Technology usage and attitudes. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1710-1721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2010.06.020
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of universal school-based SEL programs in the United States: Considerations for marginalized students
Year
2024
Description
This systematic review and meta-analysis examines 90 studies on universal school-based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in the U.S. and their effectiveness, particularly for marginalized students. The findings show improved academic, social-emotional skills, and school functioning for participants, with the strongest outcomes when teachers implemented the programs. It also highlights the need for more research on marginalized linguistic, sexual, and ability identities in SEL programs.
Cipriano, C., Ha, C., Wood, M., Sehgal, K., Ahmad, E., & McCarthy, M. F. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of universal school-based SEL programs in the United States: Considerations for marginalized students. Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy, 3, 100029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2024.100029
Technology-Mediated Communication in Familial Relationships: Moderated-Mediation Models of Isolation and Loneliness
Year
2024
Description
This study explores the role of technology-mediated communication in familial relationships, focusing on how various forms of contact (phone, text/email, and video) influence feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly in different age cohorts. The findings suggest that while these technologies can functionally substitute for face-to-face interactions, they do not provide the same emotional connection.
Burholt, V., Windle, G., Gott, M., & Morgan, D. J. (2020). Technology-mediated communication in familial relationships: Moderated-mediation models of isolation and loneliness. The Gerontologist, 60(7), 1202–1212. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaa040
The associations of active and passive social media use with well-being: A critical scoping review
Year
2024
Description
This review examines the validity of the common belief that active social media use (ASMU) enhances well-being while passive use (PSMU) diminishes it. By analyzing 40 survey-based studies, the authors found inconsistent evidence for these associations, suggesting that future research should focus on more specific content characteristics and user contexts.
Valkenburg, P. M., van Driel, I. I., & Beyens, I. (2024). The associations of active and passive social media use with well-being: A critical scoping review. New Media & Society, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211065425
Loneliness in the Workplace: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Year
2024
Description
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates workplace loneliness, finding that it is associated with lower job performance, reduced job satisfaction, strained worker-manager relationships, and increased burnout. The review suggests that modifiable workplace factors contribute to loneliness, highlighting opportunities for workplace interventions to improve employee well-being.
Bryan, B. T., Andrews, G., Thompson, K. N., Qualter, P., Matthews, T., & Arseneault, L. (2024). Loneliness in the workplace: A mixed-method systematic review and meta-analysis. Occupational Medicine, 73(9), 557–567. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqad138
Challenges for meaningful interpersonal communication in a digital era
Year
2024
Description
This literature review examines the impact of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on meaningful interpersonal interactions, highlighting how the absence of non-verbal cues in digital communication can lead to misunderstandings and compromise the quality of interactions. The findings suggest that while CMC has become prevalent, integrating face-to-face communication is essential for fostering deeper connections and understanding in relationships.
Venter, E. (2024). Challenges for meaningful interpersonal communication in a digital era. Journal of Psychology of Education, College of Education, University of South Africa.
Wellbeing in the City: Young Adults' Sense of Loneliness and Social Connection in Deprived Urban Neighbourhoods
Year
2023
Description
This study explores how young adults (18–24) living in London's most deprived neighborhoods experience loneliness and social connection. Using social representations theory, the research highlights four key dichotomies in their perceptions: disconnection vs. connection, boredom vs. engagement, unfamiliarity vs. familiarity, and busy vs. peaceful environments. The findings offer insights into how neighborhood characteristics can hinder or promote social ties, with implications for designing environments that enhance well-being and reduce loneliness.
Moore, G., Fardghassemi, S., & Joffe, H. (2023). Wellbeing in the city: Young adults' sense of loneliness and social connection in deprived urban neighbourhoods. Wellbeing, Space and Society, 5, 100172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wss.2023.100172
Life stories from lonely older adults: the role of precipitating events and coping strategies throughout the lifecourse
Year
2023
Description
This study explores how key life events and coping strategies throughout the lifecourse influence feelings of loneliness in older adults. Using in-depth narrative interviews with 20 older adults in Belgium, the findings reveal the long-term impact of childhood and adulthood events on loneliness and how some individuals adapt or maintain coping strategies over time. The study advocates for lifelong prevention efforts to address loneliness.
Switsers, L., Stegen, H., Dierckx, E., Heylen, L., Dury, S., & De Donder, L. (2023). Life stories from lonely older adults: The role of precipitating events and coping strategies throughout the lifecourse. Ageing & Society, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X23000715
A healthy lifestyle is a social lifestyle: The vital link between social connection and health outcomes
Year
2023
Description
This review highlights the critical connection between social relationships and health outcomes, showing that social connection directly influences physical health and behaviors associated with a healthy lifestyle. The study also explores the role of digital technology in social engagement and calls for policies and strategies to improve social health across the lifespan.
Proctor, A. S., Barth, A., & Holt-Lunstad, J. (2023). A healthy lifestyle is a social lifestyle: The vital link between social connection and health outcomes. Lifestyle Medicine, 4(4), e91. https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.91
Engaging in the Good with Technology: A Framework for Examining Positive Technology Use
Year
2023
Description
This conceptual paper presents the Engagement in the Good with Technology (EGT) Framework, which explores how technology can be used to enhance well-being. It outlines three positive interactions with technology: focusing on positive visual cues ("seeing good"), experiencing positive emotions ("feeling good"), and engaging in positive actions ("doing good"). The framework proposes that these elements can foster upward spirals of psychological benefits like increased happiness and reduced loneliness.
Villamil, A., & Heshmati, S. (2023). Engaging in the good with technology: A framework for examining positive technology use. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1175740. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1175740
The physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions: A comparative systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis
Year
2023
Description
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 137 studies highlights the significant mental and physical health benefits of touch interventions, revealing medium-sized effect sizes across various outcomes, such as reduced pain and anxiety, and improved cortisol regulation. The findings underscore the importance of factors like intervention frequency and the context of touch, suggesting that maximizing these elements can enhance the effectiveness of future touch interventions.
Packheiser, J., Hartmann, H., Fredriksen, K., Gazzola, V., Keysers, C., & Michon, F. (2024). The physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions: A comparative systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8
Consensus statement: Loneliness in older adults, the 21st century social determinant of health?
Year
2023
Description
This consensus statement reviews the current state of loneliness research among older adults, addressing key issues such as definitions, measurements, and health impacts. The authors highlight the challenges of inconsistent data due to varying definitions and call for better policy and service design to address loneliness as a significant social determinant of health in older populations.
Prohaska, T., Burholt, V., Burns, A., Golden, J., Hawkley, L., Lawlor, B., Leavey, G., Lubben, J., O'Sullivan, R., Perissinotto, C., van Tilburg, T., Tully, M., Victor, C., & Fried, L. (2020). Consensus statement: Loneliness in older adults, the 21st century social determinant of health? BMJ Open, 10(8), e034967. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034967
Talking to Strangers: Intention, Competence, and Opportunity
Year
2023
Description
This review explores why people often avoid talking to strangers despite the potential benefits. It presents a framework that identifies three main barriers to engaging with strangers: intention, competence, and opportunity, and discusses interventions to overcome these obstacles, such as adjusting expectations, enhancing communication skills, and creating more opportunities for interaction.
Atir, S., Zhao, X., & Echelbarger, M. (2023). Talking to strangers: Intention, competence, and opportunity. Current Opinion in Psychology, 51, 101588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101588
Informal Helping and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older U.S. Adults
Year
2023
Description
This study explores how changes in informal helping (unpaid volunteering) affect health and well-being in older U.S. adults. Using data from 12,998 participants, it finds that engaging in 100+ hours of informal helping per year is associated with lower mortality risk, better physical health, and improved psychosocial outcomes like a higher sense of purpose in life. These findings suggest that informal helping may benefit both individual and societal well-being.
Nakamura, J. S., Lee, M. T., VanderWeele, T. J., & Kim, E. S. (2023). Informal helping and subsequent health and well-being in older U.S. adults. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31, 503–515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-023-10187-w
Does social media usage ameliorate loneliness in rural youth? A cross-sectional pilot study
Year
2023
Description
This pilot study examines the relationship between social media use and loneliness among rural youth in New South Wales, finding that frequent use of Facebook is associated with higher loneliness scores. The results suggest that while social media can impact psychological well-being, especially when used shortly after waking, it does not show a direct correlation with rurality in this demographic.
Gregory, L., Dutton, T., Osuagwu, U. L., & Vines, R. (2023). Does social media usage ameliorate loneliness in rural youth? A cross-sectional pilot study. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 371. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04849-y
Performance in emotion recognition and theory of mind tasks in social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Year
2023
Description
This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses impairments in emotion recognition and theory of mind (ToM) in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared to healthy controls. The findings indicate that SAD patients show significant deficits in both emotion recognition and ToM, while results for GAD were inconclusive due to limited data.
Baez, S., Tangarife, M. A., Davila-Mejia, G., Trujillo-Güiza, M., & Forero, D. A. (2023). Performance in emotion recognition and theory of mind tasks in social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1192683. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1192683
Effective interventions to reduce loneliness in big cities.
Year
2023
Description
This review evaluates loneliness interventions in urban environments, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While interventions show moderate effectiveness, they are often underpowered and vary in quality, with multidimensional approaches showing the most promise for reducing loneliness, especially among older adults, though more attention is needed for younger populations.
Fischer, R., & Hartle, L. (2023). Effective interventions to reduce loneliness in big cities. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 36(3), 206–212. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000844
Shared cross-cultural principles underlie human prosocial behavior at the smallest scale
Year
2023
Description
This study examines prosocial behavior in eight cultures across five continents, focusing on spontaneous, low-cost requests for assistance in everyday interactions. The findings reveal that prosocial behavior, such as helping when asked, is frequent and mostly successful across cultures. While some cultural differences exist in how requests are responded to, the study highlights a shared cross-cultural foundation for cooperation in small-scale, familiar interactions.
Rossi, G., Dingemanse, M., Floyd, S., Baranova, J., Blythe, J., Kendrick, K. H., Zinken, J., & Enfield, N. J. (2023). Shared cross-cultural principles underlie human prosocial behavior at the smallest scale. Scientific Reports, 13, 6057. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30580-5
The surprise of reaching out: Appreciated more than we think
Year
2023
Description
This research highlights how people consistently underestimate how much others appreciate their efforts to reach out, whether through a message or small gesture. Across several experiments, the study finds that recipients' surprise contributes to greater appreciation, especially in more unexpected or socially distant contexts.
Liu, P. J., Rim, S., Min, L., & Min, K. E. (2023). The surprise of reaching out: Appreciated more than we think. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 124(4), 754–771. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000402
Neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and loneliness: the contribution of green space quantity and quality
Year
2023
Description
This study explores the link between neighborhood socio-economic disadvantage, green space availability, and loneliness in Brisbane, Australia. While loneliness was higher in disadvantaged areas with less green space, the study found no evidence that green space quantity or quality mitigated the link between disadvantage and loneliness. Methodological and substantive factors for these findings are discussed.
Jamalishahni, T., Turrell, G., Foster, S., Davern, M., & Villanueva, K. (2023). Neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and loneliness: The contribution of green space quantity and quality. BMC Public Health, 23, 598. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15433-0
A Scoping Review of Research on Human-Canine Interactions to Reduce Loneliness and Promote Socializing Behaviors in Early and Middle Adulthood
Year
2023
Description
This scoping review examines the role of human-canine interactions in reducing loneliness and promoting social behaviors in adults. The findings suggest that interactions with dogs can decrease loneliness and encourage socialization, though more diverse research is needed to generalize these results and understand underlying mechanisms.
Gerhardt, R., Flynn, E., & Morris, K. N. (2023). A scoping review of research on human-canine interactions to reduce loneliness and promote socializing behaviors in early and middle adulthood. Health Sciences Review, 6, 100076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hsr.2023.100076
Associations Between Problematic Internet Use and Mental Health Outcomes of Students: A Meta-analytic Review
Year
2023
Description
This meta-analytic review synthesizes data from 223 studies involving nearly 500,000 participants to explore the relationship between problematic internet use and mental health outcomes among students. The findings show a moderate positive association between problematic internet use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and loneliness, while also revealing a negative impact on subjective well-being. The review highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing this issue.
Cai, Z., Mao, P., Wang, Z., Wang, D., He, J., & Fan, X. (2023). Associations between problematic internet use and mental health outcomes of students: A meta-analytic review. Adolescent Research Review, 8(1), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-022-00201-9
Which mediated social interactions satisfy the need to belong?
Year
2023
Description
This study investigates how different types of mediated social interactions affect the satisfaction of belongingness needs, comparing face-to-face communication with various forms of interpersonal media. Utilizing experience sampling methods and a large sample size, the findings reveal that while some mediated interactions can mitigate feelings of loneliness, they do not all equally fulfill the need for social connection, indicating that the quality and type of media matter significantly in satisfying belongingness.
Hall, J. A., Pennington, N., & Merolla, A. J. (2023). Which mediated social interactions satisfy the need to belong? Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 28(1), zmac026. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcmc/zmac026
Interventions addressing loneliness amongst university students: a systematic review
Year
2022
Description
This systematic review evaluates interventions aimed at reducing loneliness among university students. Analyzing 28 studies involving 37 interventions, the review finds that interventions promoting social connectedness, such as social support groups, increasing social interaction, and reflective exercises, were more successful in reducing loneliness. While most interventions showed some impact, more high-quality research is needed to better understand their effectiveness, especially for vulnerable student groups.
Ellard, O. B., Dennison, C., & Tuomainen, H. (2022). Interventions addressing loneliness amongst university students: A systematic review. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 28(4), 512-523. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12614
Third Place and Psychological Well-Being: The Psychological Benefits of Eating and Drinking Places for University Students in Southern California, USA
Year
2022
Description
This study explores the psychological benefits of "third places" such as cafes and restaurants for university students in Southern California. It finds that these spaces are frequently used for relaxation, and their perceived restorativeness and pleasantness enhance psychological well-being. The benefits vary based on individual preferences and dispositions.
Lee, N. (2022). Third place and psychological well-being: The psychological benefits of eating and drinking places for university students in Southern California, USA. Cities, 131, 104049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.104049
On the wisdom and utility of (under)sociality: A consumer psychology perspective
Year
2022
Description
This article explores how consumer psychology can enhance understanding of the missed opportunities in social behavior, specifically undersociality. The authors discuss how social hesitancy impacts well-being and charitable giving, integrating hedonic and reputational signaling theories to expand the study of social connection.
Silver, I., & Small, D. A. (2022). On the wisdom and utility of (under)sociality: A consumer psychology perspective. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 33(1), 217-220. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1333
Alternating time spent on social interactions and solitude in healthy older adults
Year
2022
Description
This study explores how older adults balance time spent in social interactions and solitude as a strategy to meet their social needs and manage energy. Using data from a 21-day event-contingent assessment of 118 older adults, the research found that social interactions are often followed by solitude, and vice versa, with individual traits like life satisfaction and fatigue influencing the balance.
Luo, M., Pauly, T., Röcke, C., & Hülür, G. (2022). Alternating time spent on social interactions and solitude in healthy older adults. British Journal of Psychology, 113(4), 987–1008. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.12586
Is Neoliberalism Killing Us? A Cross-Sectional Study of the Impact of Neoliberal Beliefs on Health and Social Wellbeing in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year
2022
Description
This study investigates how neoliberal beliefs affect individual health and social well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. It finds that beliefs in personal wherewithal are linked to better health and life satisfaction, while anti-government beliefs correlate with lower life satisfaction and social well-being, highlighting the complex impact of neoliberalism on collective and individual well-being.
Card, K. G., & Hepburn, K. J. (2022). Is neoliberalism killing us? A cross-sectional study of the impact of neoliberal beliefs on health and social wellbeing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Health Services, 53(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/00207314221134040
Keep talking: (Mis)understanding the hedonic trajectory of conversation
Year
2022
Description
This study examines how people misjudge the enjoyment trajectory of conversations with new acquaintances. While participants expected their enjoyment to decline over time, their actual enjoyment either remained stable or increased. Misunderstanding this dynamic can lead individuals to avoid longer conversations, missing opportunities for deeper connection.
Kardas, M., Schroeder, J., & O'Brien, E. (2022). Keep talking: (Mis)understanding the hedonic trajectory of conversation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 123(4), 717–740. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000379
Benefits and harms of social media use: A latent profile analysis of emerging adults
Year
2022
Description
This study examines how different patterns of social media use impact the psychosocial well-being of emerging adults. It identifies three user profiles—Active, Passive, and Average Users—showing that active use is linked to both higher social benefits and greater harms, while passive users experience less connectedness but lower social media-related stress.
Keum, B. T., Wang, Y.-W., Callaway, J., Abebe, I., Cruz, T., & O’Connor, S. (2022). Benefits and harms of social media use: A latent profile analysis of emerging adults. Current Psychology, 42, 23506–23518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03473-5
Acquaintanceships (weak ties): Their role in people's web of relationships and their formation
Year
2022
Description
This review article synthesizes research on acquaintanceships or "weak ties," which play a significant role in individuals' social networks by providing benefits distinct from those offered by close ties. It discusses the size of acquaintance networks, their contribution to well-being, and the dynamics of how these ties are formed, maintained, and sometimes transformed into stronger relationships.
Sprecher, S. (2022). Acquaintanceships (weak ties): Their role in people's web of relationships and their formation. Personal Relationships, 29(3), 425–450. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12430
Dimensions of Friendship in Shared Travel Experiences
Year
2022
Description
This article explores how friendships develop and are experienced in tourism settings, based on thematic analysis of 12 in-depth interviews with Serbian adults. It identifies five key dimensions of friendship in shared travel experiences: intimacy of spaces, quality time, disclosure, navigation of challenges, and personal learning through shared experiences, highlighting how travel fosters deeper relational connections.
Matteucci, X., Volić, I., & Filep, S. (2022). Dimensions of friendship in shared travel experiences. Leisure Sciences, 44(6), 697–714. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2019.1656121
This review examines adolescence as a critical period for prosocial development, showing that adolescents become more selective in their prosocial behavior, with increased differentiation between ingroup and outgroup members. It highlights how social brain development is shaped by environmental factors and discusses the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent prosocial behavior.
Crone, E. A., & Achterberg, M. (2022). Prosocial development in adolescence. Current Opinion in Psychology, 44, 220-225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.09.020
Intersectional social identities and loneliness: Evidence from a municipality in Switzerland
Year
2022
Description
This study explores how intersectional social identities, such as nationality and education, influence loneliness in a Swiss municipality. Using multilevel modeling, the researchers found that intersectional interactions play a significant role in loneliness risk. The findings suggest that interventions addressing loneliness should consider the specific social clusters formed by these intersecting identities for more precise targeting.
Li, Y., & Spini, D. (2022). Intersectional social identities and loneliness: Evidence from a municipality in Switzerland. Journal of Community Psychology, 50(8), 3560–3573. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22855
Evidence of the persistence and consistency of social signatures
Year
2022
Description
This study analyzes the stability and consistency of social communication patterns over time and across different modes of communication, using data from over 700 university students. The results show that while social networks experience turnover, individuals' "social signatures" remain stable across time and are consistent across communication methods like phone calls, texts, and in-person interactions, likely due to cognitive and emotional constraints.
Li, Y., & Bond, R. M. (2022). Evidence of the persistence and consistency of social signatures. Applied Network Science, 7, 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41109-022-00448-0
Not “The More The Merrier”: Diminishing Returns to Daily Face-To-Face Social Interaction Frequency for Well-Being in Older Age
Year
2022
Description
This study investigates the effects of daily face-to-face social interactions on the well-being of older adults and finds diminishing returns. While 2-3 daily interactions boost positive affect and reduce loneliness and negative affect, the benefits taper off with higher interaction frequencies. The findings suggest that older adults, especially those living alone or with fewer interactions, benefit more significantly from social engagement.
Luo, M., Macdonald, B., & Hülür, G. (2022). Not “The more the merrier”: Diminishing returns to daily face-to-face social interaction frequency for well-being in older age. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 77(8), 1431–1441. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbac010
Relationship between life stress and the social withdrawal of the elderly
Year
2022
Description
This study examines the relationship between life stress and social withdrawal in the elderly, focusing on how various forms of stress, such as social, psychological, and health-related stress, contribute to social isolation. Conducted with 91 elderly individuals in Cairo, the findings show a significant link between life stress and increased social withdrawal. The study provides insights for social workers to develop interventions aimed at reducing life stress and mitigating social withdrawal in older adults.
Elsayed, A. R. M. (2022). Relationship between life stress and the social withdrawal of the elderly. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S6), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS6.13234
This chapter explores the psychological factors that limit people’s sociability, including biases that lead to avoiding social interactions with strangers. It reviews research on both failed and successful interventions to overcome these biases and proposes the "Stranger Engagement Model" as a framework for understanding how context influences interactions with others. The authors offer insights into how promoting social connections, even small ones, can help address loneliness.
Dunn, E. W., & Lok, I. (2022). Can sociability be increased? In J. P. Forgas, W. Crano, & K. Fiedler (Eds.), The psychology of sociability: Understanding human attachment (pp. 98–115). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003258582-8
This paper explores how homophily—both identity-driven and opinion-driven—affects group performance using an agent-based model. Study 1 reveals that homophily influences network formation and trust relations, impacting collective performance in decision-making tasks. Study 2 introduces identity-based conformity pressure, further complicating the dynamics. The research finds that the effects of homophily on performance are complex and context-dependent, with implications for policy interventions aimed at improving group outcomes.
Fazelpour, S., & Rubin, H. (2022). Diversity and homophily in social networks. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, 44, 1–6. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7646n2mc
This study explores loneliness risk factors across different life stages in a large Dutch sample, identifying factors such as lower education, financial strain, poor mental health, burdensome caregiving, and limited social contact. The findings emphasize that the risk factors vary with age, with additional influences like migration background, disability, and living situation affecting specific age groups.
Hutten, E., Jongen, E. M. M., & Bos, A. E. R. (2021). Risk factors of loneliness across the life span. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(5), 1405-1423. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075211059193
A systematic review of loneliness and social isolation scales used in epidemics and pandemics
Year
2021
Description
This systematic review examines the scales used to measure loneliness and social isolation during epidemics and pandemics, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 14 scales identified, the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale was the most commonly used due to its ease of use and suitability for telephone administration. The study highlights the need for standardized scales for assessing these constructs during public health crises.
Das, A., Padala, K. P., Crawford, C. G., Teo, A., Mendez, D. M., Phillips, O. A., Wright, B. C., House, S., & Padala, P. R. (2021). A systematic review of loneliness and social isolation scales used in epidemics and pandemics. Psychiatry Research, 303, 114217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114217
Social Media Use and Social Connectedness Among Adolescents in the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Exploration of Displacement and Stimulation
Year
2021
Description
This qualitative study explores how social media use affects adolescents' feelings of connectedness to family and peers in the UK. Using the displacement and stimulation hypotheses as frameworks, the findings reveal complex dynamics. Social media can enhance peer connectedness, particularly for those who struggle with face-to-face interactions, supporting a "rich-get-richer" and "poor-get-richer" effect. The study highlights the need for parents to provide guidance, promote trust, and help adolescents balance online and offline interactions to optimize social media's benefits.
Winstone, L., Mars, B., Haworth, C. M. A., & Kidger, J. (2021). Social media use and social connectedness among adolescents in the United Kingdom: A qualitative exploration of displacement and stimulation. BMC Public Health, 21, 1736. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11802-9
Systematic review of the role of social inclusion within sustainable urban developments
Year
2021
Description
This systematic review examines the role of social inclusion in sustainable urban development, highlighting the integration of environmental, social, and economic factors in urban planning. The review finds that social inclusion is often treated as an autonomous element rather than fully integrated into sustainability strategies. Key policy recommendations include prioritizing vulnerable groups, ensuring equal representation, and fostering community partnerships. The study calls for more research in low- and middle-income countries.
Mirzoev, T., Tull, K. I., Winn, N., Mir, G., King, N. V., & Wright, J. M. (2021). Systematic review of the role of social inclusion within sustainable urban developments. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 29(1), 3–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2021.1918793
Instead of People Using Technology, Technology Is Using People
Year
2021
Description
In this article, Douglas Rushkoff argues against the unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence and technology, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human connections in a rapidly digitizing world. He advocates for a more conscious approach to technology, suggesting that it should foster interpersonal relationships and enrich human experiences rather than diminish them, and calls for embedding human-centered values into technological development to ensure that technology serves people, not the other way around.
Rushkoff, D. (2021). Instead of people using technology, technology is using people. NIM Marketing Intelligence Review, 13(1), 42-45. https://doi.org/10.2478/nimmir-2021-0007
Effects of chronic and state loneliness on heart rate variability in women
Year
2021
Description
This study examines how chronic and state loneliness impact heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of parasympathetic function, in young women. Results show that women with higher chronic loneliness had lower resting HRV, an indicator of increased cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, chronically lonely women displayed heightened HRV reactivity to induced state loneliness and poorer HRV responsiveness to cognitively challenging tasks, suggesting maladaptive physiological responses. These findings highlight the cardiovascular implications of loneliness and support an evolutionary function of loneliness-related physiological shifts.
Roddick, C. M., & Chen, F. S. (2021). Effects of chronic and state loneliness on heart rate variability in women. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 55(5), 460–475. https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa065
The Development of the Liking Gap: Children Older Than 5 Years Think That Partners Evaluate Them Less Positively Than They Evaluate Their Partners
Year
2021
Description
This study investigates the emergence of the "liking gap" in children, revealing that from age 5 onwards, children start to believe their partners like them less than they like their partners. The gap grows as children become increasingly concerned with others' evaluations, providing insights into the developmental trajectory of social self-awareness.
Wolf, W., Nafe, A., & Tomasello, M. (2021). The development of the liking gap: Children older than 5 years think that partners evaluate them less positively than they evaluate their partners. Psychological Science, 32(5), 682–691. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797620980754
Conceptualizing “Family” and the Role of “Chosen Family” within the LGBTQ+ Refugee Community: A Text Network Graph Analysis
Year
2021
Description
This study explores the concepts of "family" and "chosen family" among LGBTQ+ refugees, analyzing narrative data from 67 refugees to understand how chosen families play a vital role in their well-being and settlement. While biological families are sometimes linked to feelings of fear and insecurity, chosen families are associated with trust, understanding, and love. The research highlights the significance of chosen families in supporting LGBTQ+ refugees' social inclusion and mental health.
Kim, S., & Feyissa, I. F. (2021). Conceptualizing “Family” and the role of “Chosen Family” within the LGBTQ+ refugee community: A text network graph analysis. Healthcare, 9(4), 369. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040369
This article highlights the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation in older adults, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the lack of quick screening tools in emergency departments for identifying loneliness or isolation, both of which are linked to poor health outcomes. The article offers suggestions for emergency nurses to assess and address these issues in older patients, presenting an urgent call to improve interventions in healthcare settings.
Somes, J. (2021). The loneliness of aging. Geriatric Update, 47(3), 469-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2020.12.009
Social Isolation in Later Life: The Importance of Place, Disadvantage and Diversity
Year
2021
Description
This study, based on the Hamilton Senior Isolation Impact Plan in Canada, explores how social isolation among older adults is shaped by place, poverty, and inequality. Through focus groups and interviews, it highlights the need for policy to address diverse regional experiences of isolation and to better serve marginalized sub-populations of older adults.
Grenier, A., Burke, E., Currie, G., Watson, S., & Ward, J. (2021). Social isolation in later life: The importance of place, disadvantage and diversity. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 34(3), 471-495. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2021.1886637
“We Want to Go, But There Are No Options”: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators of Transportation Among Diverse Older Adults
Year
2021
Description
This study investigates transportation barriers faced by older adults, especially immigrants and refugees, in the U.S. It finds that limited transportation options are linked to social isolation and reduced quality of life. The study highlights the influence of factors like neighbors, language, and access to information on mobility and transportation accessibility for these populations.
Dabelko-Schoeny, H., Maleku, A., Cao, Q., White, K., & Ozbilen, B. (2021). “We want to go, but there are no options”: Exploring barriers and facilitators of transportation among diverse older adults. Journal of Transport & Health, 20, 100994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2020.100994
Social Networks and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year
2021
Description
This study analyzes the impact of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness, using pre-pandemic and mid-pandemic longitudinal data. The research finds that people with fewer than five "very close" relationships experienced larger increases in loneliness, while face-to-face interactions and frequent contact with close ties helped mitigate loneliness during the pandemic.
Kovacs, B., Caplan, N., & King, M. (2021). Social networks and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, 7, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023120985254
A meta-analysis of the problematic social media use and mental health
Year
2020
Description
This meta-analysis explores the relationship between problematic social media use (across various platforms) and mental health. Analyzing data from 133 samples with over 244,000 participants, it finds that problematic social media use is moderately associated with higher distress (e.g., depression, loneliness) and negatively related to well-being (e.g., life satisfaction, self-esteem). The results are consistent across various demographic and methodological factors.
Huang, C. (2020). A meta-analysis of the problematic social media use and mental health. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 68(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764020978434
Friendships, loneliness and psychological well-being in older adults: A limit to the benefit of the number friendships
Year
2020
Description
This study investigates how the number of friendships impacts loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults. Findings indicate a curvilinear relationship, with benefits plateauing after reaching a certain number of close friends. Specifically, having four or more friends reduced loneliness, while only two to three friends were needed to decrease depression, anxiety, and stress, suggesting that increasing the number of friends beyond these thresholds offers diminishing returns for well-being.
Thompson, A., Smith, M. A., McNeill, A., & Pollet, T. V. (2020). Friendships, loneliness and psychological well-being in older adults: A limit to the benefit of the number friendships. PsyArXiv Preprints. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/9p8g7
Why do people avoid talking to strangers? A mini meta-analysis of predicted fears and actual experiences talking to a stranger
Year
2020
Description
This article explores why people are often reluctant to engage in conversations with strangers, despite typically feeling happier when they do. The authors meta-analyze seven studies (N = 2304), showing that fears about conversation enjoyment, likability, and skill are exaggerated, and that conversations with strangers generally go better than expected. The article also tests interventions that can reduce these fears.
Sandstrom, G. M., & Boothby, E. J. (2020). Why do people avoid talking to strangers? A mini meta-analysis of predicted fears and actual experiences talking to a stranger. Self and Identity, 20(1), 47–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2020.1816568
What prevents people from making friends: A taxonomy of reasons
Year
2020
Description
This article develops an evolutionary framework for understanding the challenges individuals face in forming friendships, identifying 40 specific reasons grouped into six major factors, including "Low trust," "Lack of time," and "Introversion." It also highlights differences based on gender and age in the prevalence of these barriers.
Apostolou, M., & Keramari, D. (2020). What prevents people from making friends: A taxonomy of reasons. Personality and Individual Differences, 163, 110043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110043
Disability inclusion strategies: An exploratory study
Year
2020
Description
This study explores the importance of disability inclusion strategies and their relationship to employers' hiring intentions. Using a 6-item Disability Inclusion Strategy Scale (DISS), the study finds that all inclusion strategies positively correlate with hiring intentions, validating the DISS as a tool for promoting employer engagement in disability inclusion.
Bezyak, J., Moser, E., Iwanaga, K., Wu, J. R., Chen, X., & Chan, F. (2020). Disability inclusion strategies: An exploratory study. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 53(2), 183–188. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-201095
Can Interparty Contact Reduce Affective Polarization? A Systematic Test of Different Forms of Intergroup Contact
Year
2020
Description
This study investigates whether interparty contact can reduce affective polarization between Democrats and Republicans. Across three studies, including surveys and experiments, the research finds that positive contact between partisans reduces hostility by fostering a sense of commonality rather than through empathy or anxiety reduction. Negative contact, however, increases polarization, highlighting the complex role of intergroup interactions in political contexts.
Wojcieszak, M., & Warner, B. R. (2020). Can interparty contact reduce affective polarization? A systematic test of different forms of intergroup contact. Political Communication, 37(6), 789-811. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.2020.1760406
Displaying things in common to encourage friendship formation: A large randomized field experiment
Year
2020
Description
This study investigates how displaying shared traits, such as mutual interests or hometowns, can encourage friendship formation on social networks. Through a large-scale randomized experiment, the study finds that highlighting things in common significantly increases the likelihood of friendship requests, especially between individuals who have little else in common, suggesting a low-cost strategy for promoting diverse social ties.
Sun, T., & Taylor, S. J. (2020). Displaying things in common to encourage friendship formation: A large randomized field experiment. Quantitative Marketing and Economics, 18, 237–271. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11129-020-09234-x
Perceived Benefits and Costs Contribute to Young and Older Adults’ Selectivity in Social Relationships
Year
2020
Description
This study investigates how perceived benefits and costs influence social engagement in young and older adults. The findings show that both age groups are more willing to engage in social relationships when perceived benefits are higher, with older adults particularly selective when costs outweigh benefits. This supports selective engagement theory, which posits that individuals prioritize social interactions based on a cost-benefit analysis.
O’Brien, E. L., & Hess, T. M. (2020). Perceived benefits and costs contribute to young and older adults’ selectivity in social relationships. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 79(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1024/1662-9647/a000218
The association between loneliness, social isolation and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Year
2020
Description
This meta-analysis examines the link between loneliness, social isolation, and inflammation, finding that loneliness is associated with elevated IL-6 levels, while social isolation is linked to increased CRP and fibrinogen. However, results were mixed, highlighting the need for more robust research to better understand the mechanisms involved.
Smith, K. J., Gavey, S., Riddell, N. E., Kontari, P., & Victor, C. (2020). The association between loneliness, social isolation and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 112, 519-541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.002
Does Living Alone Mean Spending Time Differently? Time Use and Living Arrangements Among Older Canadians
Year
2020
Description
This article examines how living alone affects the time use and social experiences of older Canadians, using data from the 2015 Canadian General Social Survey. The study finds that older adults living alone spend more time communicating with others and are not more likely to feel isolated or stressed about time compared to those in other living arrangements.
Chai, X., & Margolis, R. (2020). Does living alone mean spending time differently? Time use and living arrangements among older Canadians. Canadian Studies in Population, 47(1), 9–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42650-020-00017-9
Loneliness and Life Satisfaction Explained by Public-Space Use and Mobility Patterns
Year
2019
Description
This study examines how public-space use and mobility patterns affect loneliness and life satisfaction in residents of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. It finds that personal, neighborhood, and mobility factors significantly influence both outcomes, though the frequency of public-space use has a limited direct impact. The research suggests that walkable neighborhoods with accessible green spaces and public transport can promote well-being.
Bergefurt, L., Kemperman, A., van den Berg, P., Borgers, A., van der Waerden, P., Oosterhuis, G., & Hommel, M. (2019). Loneliness and life satisfaction explained by public-space use and mobility patterns. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(21), 4282. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214282
The importance of face-to-face contact and reciprocal relationships and their associations with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction
Year
2019
Description
This study investigates how different patterns of interpersonal relationships, specifically face-to-face and technology-based interactions, relate to depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among adults. Utilizing latent class analysis, the researchers identified four distinct classes of interpersonal relations and found that more engaged and reciprocal relationships were linked to lower depressive symptoms and higher life satisfaction. The findings highlight the significance of diverse relational contexts and active engagement in fostering psychological well-being.
Simone, M., Geiser, C., & Lockhart, G. (2019). The importance of face-to-face contact and reciprocal relationships and their associations with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Quality of Life Research, 28, 2909–2917. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-019-02232-7
Loneliness and neighborhood characteristics: A multi-informant, nationally representative study of young adults
Year
2019
Description
This study explores the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and loneliness in young adults, finding that feelings of loneliness are linked to perceptions of lower collective efficacy and greater neighborhood disorder, rather than objective measures of neighborhood quality. The findings suggest that lonely individuals may have negatively biased perceptions of their surroundings, which could hinder efforts to reduce loneliness.
Matthews, T., Odgers, C. L., Danese, A., Fisher, H. L., Newbury, J. B., Caspi, A., Moffitt, T. E., & Arseneault, L. (2019). Loneliness and neighborhood characteristics: A multi-informant, nationally representative study of young adults. Psychological Science, 30(5), 765–775. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797619836102
Pessimistic expectations and poorer experiences: The role of (low) extraversion in anticipated and experienced enjoyment of social interaction
Year
2018
Description
This research investigates why individuals lower in extraversion engage less in social interactions, exploring whether they derive fewer hedonic rewards from such experiences. The study found that less extraverted individuals expect to feel worse after socializing, but most still experience increased positive affect after interacting, except for those extremely low in extraversion. Despite expecting negative outcomes, low-extraversion individuals did not suffer cognitive depletion after socializing.
Duffy, K. A., Helzer, E. G., Hoyle, R. H., Fukukura, J., & Chartrand, T. L. (2018). Pessimistic expectations and poorer experiences: The role of (low) extraversion in anticipated and experienced enjoyment of social interaction. PLOS ONE, 13(7), e0199146. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199146
This chapter explores how ageism contributes to loneliness in older adults. The authors identify three mechanisms: social rejection leading to withdrawal from social participation, internalizing age-related stereotypes such as loneliness, and age-based discrimination increasing social exclusion. These factors emphasize how societal-level ageism predisposes older adults to loneliness, which is linked to adverse health outcomes like depression and cognitive decline.
Shiovitz-Ezra, S., Shemesh, J., & McDonnell/Naughton, M. (2018). Pathways from ageism to loneliness. In L. Ayalon & C. Tesch-Römer (Eds.), Contemporary perspectives on ageism (pp. 131-147). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73820-8_9
Choosing Solitude: Age Differences in Situational and Affective Correlates of Solitude-Seeking in Midlife and Older Adulthood
Year
2018
Description
This study examines how solitude-seeking differs between middle-aged and older adults in terms of location and emotional outcomes. It found that older adults are more likely to seek solitude at home and experience no decrease in positive affect, while middle-aged adults experience a dip in positive affect when seeking solitude. These findings highlight age-related differences in social preferences and emotion regulation.
Lay, J. C., Pauly, T., Graf, P., Mahmood, A., & Hoppmann, C. A. (2018). Choosing solitude: Age differences in situational and affective correlates of solitude-seeking in midlife and older adulthood. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 75(3), 483–493. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby044
Advancing social connection as a public health priority in the United States
Year
2017
Description
This article argues that social connections should be considered a public health priority, given strong evidence linking high-quality relationships and social connection to lower risks of mortality and various diseases. Despite the significant health benefits, public health efforts have been slow to recognize social relationships as a key health determinant, and the authors propose strategies to integrate social connection into current public health frameworks.
Holt-Lunstad, J., Robles, T. F., & Sbarra, D. A. (2017). Advancing social connection as a public health priority in the United States. American Psychologist, 72(6), 517–530. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000103
Feelings of Loneliness in an Urbanized Country: Does Place and Civic Engagement Matter?
Year
2017
Description
This study examines the relationship between environmental factors, civic engagement, and feelings of loneliness among older adults in Belgium. Findings from 28,094 participants reveal that neighborhood connectedness, quality interactions with neighbors, and engagement in volunteer work or associations reduce social loneliness. The research offers policy recommendations to address loneliness in aging urban populations, emphasizing the importance of fostering social connections and civic participation.
Dury, S., De Witte, N., Verté, D., De Donder, L., Smetcoren, A., & Van Regenmortel, S. (2017). Feelings of loneliness in an urbanized country: Does place and civic engagement matter? Innovation in Aging, 1(suppl_1), 103. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx004.429
Preventive health services utilization in relation to social isolation in older adults
Year
2017
Description
This study analyzes how social isolation influences the use of preventive health services among older adults in Europe. The results show that socially isolated individuals, especially those living unpartnered or without children, are less likely to use preventive care services, highlighting the need for public health interventions to address social isolation to improve healthcare access in older populations.
Vozikaki, M., Linardakis, M., & Philalithis, A. (2017). Preventive health services utilization in relation to social isolation in older adults. Journal of Public Health, 25, 545–556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-017-0815-2
Online social support for young people: Does it recapitulate in-person social support; can it help?
Year
2017
Description
This study examines how online social support complements in-person social networks for young people, particularly those with weaker offline social support. Findings suggest that for individuals with low in-person support, social media offers a distinct source of help that can mitigate feelings of depression and offset the negative effects of peer victimization. Both online and in-person social support have unique, non-redundant benefits for mental health.
Cole, D. A., Nick, E. A., Zelkowitz, R. L., Roeder, K. M., & Spinelli, T. (2017). Online social support for young people: Does it recapitulate in-person social support; can it help? Computers in Human Behavior, 68, 456-464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.11.058
The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness
Year
2016
Description
This study examines the positive effects of social technology use on the physical and psychological health of older adults. Using data from 591 participants, the findings show that higher social technology use—such as email, social networking, and video calls—is associated with better self-rated health, fewer chronic illnesses, higher well-being, and fewer depressive symptoms. The relationship between social technology use and health is mediated by reduced feelings of loneliness, highlighting the potential of technology to foster meaningful relationships.
Chopik, W. J. (2016). The benefits of social technology use among older adults are mediated by reduced loneliness. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19(9), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0151
Adolescent Loneliness and Social Skills: Agreement and Discrepancies Between Self-, Meta-, and Peer-Evaluations
Year
2016
Description
This study investigates whether loneliness in adolescents stems from actual social skills deficits or biased self-perceptions by comparing self-reported, peer-reported, and meta-evaluations of social skills. Findings suggest that loneliness may result from both real social skills deficits and distorted self-perceptions, leading to diverse intervention needs.
Lodder, G. M. A., Goossens, L., Scholte, R. H. J., Engels, R. C. M. E., & Verhagen, M. (2016). Adolescent loneliness and social skills: Agreement and discrepancies between self-, meta-, and peer-evaluations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 45(12), 2406–2416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-016-0461-y
Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review
Year
2015
Description
This meta-analytic review demonstrates that both social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of early mortality, with odds ratios of 1.29 for social isolation, 1.26 for loneliness, and 1.32 for living alone. The impact of social deficits on mortality is comparable to established mortality risk factors, and the effect is more pronounced in individuals younger than 65 years.
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227–237. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352
In your 20s it’s quantity, in your 30s it’s quality: The prognostic value of social activity across 30 years of adulthood
Year
2015
Description
This 30-year longitudinal study examines how the quantity and quality of social interactions at ages 20 and 30 predict psychosocial outcomes at age 50. Results show that the quantity of social interactions in one's 20s and the quality of interactions in one's 30s are critical for midlife social integration, well-being, and mental health, supporting developmental theories on the evolving goals of social engagement across early adulthood.
Carmichael, C. L., Reis, H. T., & Duberstein, P. R. (2015). In your 20s it’s quantity, in your 30s it’s quality: The prognostic value of social activity across 30 years of adulthood. Psychology and Aging, 30(1), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000014
Impact of social integration on metabolic functions: Evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study of US older adults
Year
2013
Description
This study examines how social integration affects metabolic health in older adults, finding that high social integration is associated with significantly lower risks of metabolic dysregulation, such as abdominal obesity and hypertension. The research, using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, highlights the potent protective effects of stable social ties, especially among younger older adults, males, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Yang, Y. C., Li, T., & Ji, Y. (2013). Impact of social integration on metabolic functions: Evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study of US older adults. BMC Public Health, 13, 1210. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-1210
Do Birds of a Feather Flock Together? The Relationship between Similarity and Altruism in Social Networks
Year
2013
Description
This study explores how similarity within social networks influences altruism and emotional closeness. It finds that individuals who share common traits, such as a sense of humor, hobbies, moral beliefs, and geographic background, are more likely to exhibit altruistic behaviors and form emotionally close relationships. The study also shows that similarity decreases with less frequent contact, providing insights into how social networks are structured.
Curry, O., & Dunbar, R. I. M. (2013). Do birds of a feather flock together? The relationship between similarity and altruism in social networks. Human Nature, 24(3), 336–347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-013-9174-z
Does Online Social Media Lead to Social Connection or Social Disconnection?
Year
2013
Description
This article explores the effects of social media on young people's social connections, concluding that while social media can foster weak ties and online activism, it also encourages self-focus, shallow relationships, and may contribute to declines in empathy and civic engagement. It raises concerns about social media’s potential role in increasing disconnection and mental health issues.
Twenge, J. M. (2013). Does online social media lead to social connection or social disconnection? Journal of College and Character, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/jcc-2013-0003
Time as a limited resource: Communication strategy in mobile phone networks
Year
2013
Description
This study analyzes 9 billion mobile phone calls to examine how people allocate time across their social networks. Results show that individuals with larger networks do not spend proportionally more time communicating and tend to have weaker ties. Time is unevenly distributed, with a small number of close contacts receiving most of the communication. The findings highlight the time constraints that limit the strength of ties in large social networks.
Miritello, G., Moro, E., Lara, R., Martínez-López, R., Belchamber, J., Roberts, S. G. B., & Dunbar, R. I. M. (2013). Time as a limited resource: Communication strategy in mobile phone networks. Social Networks, 35(1), 89–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2013.01.003
Closeness, loneliness, support: Core ties and significant ties in personal communities
Year
2012
Description
This study compares core and significant ties within personal communities in terms of emotional closeness, social support, and their impact on loneliness. Results show that having more core ties is associated with lower intimacy, while significant ties have a more complex relationship with closeness. Social loneliness is reduced by having more significant ties, while emotional loneliness increases with more core ties due to lower intimacy levels in larger networks.
Binder, J. F., Roberts, S. G. B., & Sutcliffe, A. G. (2012). Closeness, loneliness, support: Core ties and significant ties in personal communities. Social Networks, 34(2), 206–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2011.12.001
Loneliness and the metabolic syndrome in a population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults
Year
2010
Description
This study investigates the link between loneliness and the metabolic syndrome in adults aged 52 to 79, finding that loneliness is associated with a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, particularly central obesity. The study suggests that loneliness may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues.
Whisman, M. A. (2010). Loneliness and the metabolic syndrome in a population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults. Health Psychology, 29(5), 550-554. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020760
Internet Use and Psychological Well-being: A Meta-Analysis
Year
2010
Description
This meta-analysis synthesizes the findings of 40 studies involving 21,258 participants, exploring the relationship between internet use and psychological well-being, including variables such as depression, loneliness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. The results showed a small but negative association between internet use and well-being, with no significant effect of moderators like age, gender, or type of internet use. Future research is needed to identify other factors that may explain this variation.
Huang, C. (2010). Internet use and psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 13(3), 241-249. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0217
Too Many Friends: Social Integration, Network Cohesion and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms
Year
2009
Description
This study investigates how social network size, cohesion, and perceptions of social relationships affect depressive symptoms in adolescents. It finds that both very large and very small social networks are linked to higher depressive symptoms. Among girls, this effect occurs at low network cohesion, while for boys, it occurs at high cohesion. The negative effects of small networks are mediated by low perceptions of support and belonging.
Falci, C., & McNeely, C. (2009). Too many friends: Social integration, network cohesion and adolescent depressive symptoms. Social Forces, 87(4), 2031–2061. https://doi.org/10.1353/sof.0.0189
Demographic, Psychological, and Social Environmental Factors of Loneliness and Satisfaction Among Rural-to-Urban Migrants in Shanghai, China
Year
2009
Description
This study investigates the factors influencing loneliness and life satisfaction among rural-to-urban migrants in Shanghai, China. Using data from the Shanghai Rural-to-Urban Migrant Worker Survey, the findings reveal that demographic, socioeconomic, and neighborhood factors significantly affect migrants' well-being. Discrimination emerged as a major negative factor, while improving work and living conditions, enhancing neighborhood amenities, and supporting family reunification are suggested to improve mental well-being.
Wen, M., & Wang, G. (2009). Demographic, psychological, and social environmental factors of loneliness and satisfaction among rural-to-urban migrants in Shanghai, China. International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 50(2), 155-182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020715208101597
Cognitive constraints on the structure and dynamics of social networks
Year
2008
Description
This article reviews the cognitive limits on human social networks, highlighting that social circles are hierarchically structured, with each layer comprising progressively more individuals with weaker ties. These layers are consistent in size but vary based on factors such as gender, personality, and social-cognitive abilities. The study explores how these structural constraints influence the way we organize our social lives.
Dunbar, R. I. M. (2008). Cognitive constraints on the structure and dynamics of social networks. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 12(1), 7–16. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2699.12.1.7
The complex structure of hunter-gatherer social networks
Year
2007
Description
This study applies fractal network theory to analyze the structure of hunter-gatherer societies, revealing that their social networks are self-similar, with a constant branching ratio of approximately 4 at different hierarchical levels. The research suggests that despite ecological and cultural diversity, human social networks universally organize according to principles that optimize the flow of resources and information, reflecting similar structural patterns found in nature.
Hamilton, M. J., Milne, B. T., Walker, R. S., Burger, O., & Brown, J. H. (2007). The complex structure of hunter-gatherer social networks. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 274(1622), 2195–2202. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2007.0564
What do people desire in others? A sociofunctional perspective on the importance of different valued characteristics
Year
2007
Description
This study investigates which characteristics people value in others for interdependent social relationships. Across three studies, trustworthiness emerged as the most valued trait in all contexts, while cooperativeness was also important but less universally valued. Other traits, such as intelligence, were valued differently depending on the specific goals of the relationship or group.
Cottrell, C. A., Neuberg, S. L., & Li, N. P. (2007). What do people desire in others? A sociofunctional perspective on the importance of different valued characteristics. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(2), 208–231. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.2.208
Misunderstanding the Affective Consequences of Everyday Social Interactions: The Hidden Benefits of Putting One's Best Face Forward
Year
2007
Description
This study explores how individuals underestimate the positive emotional effects of self-presentation during social interactions. Participants consistently felt better after "putting their best face forward" in various social contexts, including interactions with strangers and romantic partners, despite not anticipating these benefits. This suggests a common misjudgment regarding the emotional consequences of everyday social interactions.
Dunn, E. W., Biesanz, J. C., Human, L. J., & Finn, S. (2007). Misunderstanding the affective consequences of everyday social interactions: The hidden benefits of putting one's best face forward. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 990–1005. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.990
Festival Attendance and the Development of Social Capital
Year
2006
Description
This study explores how festival attendance contributes to the development of social capital, highlighting the socio-cultural benefits of festivals beyond their economic impacts. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, the authors examine how festivals create opportunities for social interactions, trust, and community cohesion, which are key components of social capital in host communities.
Arcodia, C., & Whitford, M. (2006). Festival attendance and the development of social capital. Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, 8(2), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1300/J452v08n02_01
Discrete hierarchical organization of social group sizes
Year
2005
Description
This study applies fractal analysis to human social group sizes, revealing a discrete hierarchy in group organization. Consistent with the "social brain hypothesis," the findings show that humans naturally form groups of preferred sizes (e.g., 3–5, 9–15, 30–45), suggesting cognitive limits on managing social relationships. These results highlight how brain capacity influences group dynamics and social structures.
Zhou, W.-X., Sornette, D., Hill, R. A., & Dunbar, R. I. M. (2005). Discrete hierarchical organization of social group sizes. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 272(1561), 439–444. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2004.2970
Racial Residential Segregation: A Fundamental Cause of Racial Disparities in Health
Year
2001
Description
This article examines racial residential segregation as a primary driver of racial health disparities in the U.S. The segregation of African Americans into distinct neighborhoods is seen as a key mechanism of institutional racism that limits access to quality education and employment opportunities, contributing to lower socioeconomic status (SES) and worse health outcomes. The authors argue that addressing racial health disparities requires tackling the structural inequalities created by segregation.
Williams, D. R., & Collins, C. (2001). Racial residential segregation: A fundamental cause of racial disparities in health. Public Health Reports, 116(5), 404–416. https://doi.org/10.1093/phr/116.5.404
Couples' shared participation in novel and arousing activities and experienced relationship quality
Year
2000
Description
This study investigates how couples' participation in novel and arousing activities influences relationship quality. Through surveys and experiments, the research finds that shared "exciting" activities are associated with higher relationship satisfaction, mediated by reduced relationship boredom. Laboratory experiments confirmed that couples engaging in novel tasks experienced significant improvements in relationship quality compared to mundane tasks or no activity.
Aron, A., Norman, C. C., Aron, E. N., McKenna, C., & Heyman, R. E. (2000). Couples' shared participation in novel and arousing activities and experienced relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2), 273–284. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.78.2.273
Similarity in communication values as a predictor of friendship choices: Studies of friends and best friends
Year
1992
Description
This article explores the role of communication values in friendship formation, supporting the hypothesis that people with similar communication values are more likely to form and maintain friendships. Through two studies, the authors confirm that similarity in communication preferences is a strong predictor of friendship choices, extending the similarity-attraction hypothesis.
Burleson, B. R., Samter, W., & Lucchetti, A. E. (1992). Similarity in communication values as a predictor of friendship choices: Studies of friends and best friends. Southern Communication Journal, 57(4), 260–276. https://doi.org/10.1080/10417949209372873
This article critiques the skepticism surrounding the idea that social support buffers individuals against stress. Despite empirical challenges in earlier research, the authors argue that social support's stress-buffering effects are real and significant, though they may have been underestimated due to factors like the severity of stress in study designs.
Koeske, G. F., & Koeske, R. D. (1991). Underestimation of social support buffering. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 27(4), 475–494. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886391274007
This review explores the links between social support, social networks, and health, distinguishing between social integration and social network structures. It highlights key social processes like social support, relational demands, and social regulation, and discusses their effects on well-being, calling for more research on how social relationships shape health outcomes.
House, J. S., Umberson, D., & Landis, K. R. (1988). Structures and processes of social support. Annual Review of Sociology, 14(1), 293-318. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.so.14.080188.001453
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
Year
1988
Description
This study introduces the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), a self-report tool measuring perceived social support from three sources: family, friends, and significant others. The MSPSS demonstrated strong validity, reliability, and was negatively associated with depression and anxiety. The scale's utility for research is discussed, highlighting its relevance for understanding how perceived social support influences mental health outcomes.
Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52(1), 30–41. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa5201_2
Self-disclosure and perceived closeness in the development of group process
Year
1983
Description
This study explores how self-disclosure impacts the development of group dynamics, finding that as individuals disclose more about themselves, both the amount and quality of disclosure increase. This leads to a reduction in perceived interpersonal distance, promoting closer group relationships over time.
Bunch, B. J., Lund, N. L., & Wiggins, F. K. (1983). Self-disclosure and perceived closeness in the development of group process. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 8(2), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933928308411733
Loneliness at adolescence: Correlates, attributions, and coping
Year
1983
Description
This study investigates the experience of loneliness in adolescents, examining its relationship with various psychological factors. Loneliness was found to be positively correlated with anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and an external locus of control, while negatively correlated with self-esteem and life satisfaction. Adolescents often attributed loneliness to boredom and coped by engaging in passive activities like watching TV or listening to music, suggesting implications for adolescent social development.
Moore, D., & Schultz, N. R. Jr. (1983). Loneliness at adolescence: Correlates, attributions, and coping. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 12(2), 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02088307
This study examines the relationship between loneliness and self-disclosure, finding that lonely individuals perceive a lack of intimate self-disclosure with friends, particularly in opposite-sex relationships. Additionally, lonely participants in structured social interactions were rated as less effective in self-disclosure, suggesting that loneliness impairs normal social relationship development.
Solano, C. H., Batten, P. G., & Parish, E. A. (1982). Loneliness and patterns of self-disclosure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43(3), 524–531. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.43.3.524
Experiential correlates of time alone in adolescence
Year
1978
Description
This study investigates the emotional experience of solitude in adolescents, using self-reports collected via electronic pagers. Findings reveal that while solitude is often perceived negatively, adolescents who spend a moderate amount of time alone (about 30% of their waking hours) exhibit better overall adjustment compared to those who are either rarely or excessively alone, suggesting that solitude may play an important role in adolescent development.
Larson, R., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1978). Experiential correlates of time alone in adolescence. Journal of Personality, 46(4), 677–693. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1978.tb00191.x
Help us expand our understanding of social connection by contributing your research. We are always looking for new studies and articles that align with our mission to promote social wellbeing. If you have conducted research or know of valuable studies that support our public health guidelines, we invite you to share them with us. Together, we can strengthen the evidence base and drive positive change for individuals and communities.
