Do Social Ties Affect Our Health- Scientists Research.

Social connections play an essential role in people’s biology and well-being. Scientists find that strong relationships between individuals can have positive effects on people’s lives. How can socialising affect people mentally and physically?

Wide-ranging research suggests that a longer life is linked to strong social ties. People are born into social groups and live their entire life as part of society and are used to stay connected with their family or friends. Such connections might improve peoples’ overall health because it can increase energy level and gives a more positive outlook on life. In addition, physical contact can cause hormones and brain chemicals to be released which have many biological benefits and help people feel great. Whereas, social isolation lea to poorer health and in some cases it can lead to an early death.

Mental Health Foundation says: “Relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected. Recent studies in Ireland and the USA have shown that negative social interactions, can increase the risk of depression, anxiety and suicide, while positive interactions reduce the risk of mental problems.

Researchers at the ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies In Society and Health have examined how social networks can impact positively on people’s psychology. They found that adults who do not have friends are the worst psychologically which can have implications on their health. Women who have a friendship network feel better than having a strong family connection as this can place more burdens on their lives. However, men are okay with friends or family connections as they do not feel the same burden as women.

In addition to that, scientists have found that connecting with people can relieve harmful levels of stress that affect gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system. As supportive relationships with friends and families can improve people’s overall mental health, and have a positive impact on their quality of life, unlike those who lack these networks. Other forms of social interaction such as volunteering and taking part in churches and clubs are known to be effective and can enhance wellbeing especially for older people who had retired.

A Stable relationship between couples affects them mentally as researchers have found that high marital quality is connected with lower stress and less depression. Whereas, toxic relationships may have a negative impact on physical and mental health as it can make people feel insecure or unhappy, and it can even be physically and emotionally harmful. However, single individuals have better mental health outcomes than people who are unsatisfied in their marital status. Also, people who have strong and cohesive relationships with their neighbours can lower rates of mental health problems than those who do not have cohesive relations with their neighbours.

Social relations can have different impacts on people’s health. But overall, research indicates that any risk can be outweighed by the advantages of interactions with others. It’s generally healthy for individuals to try to belong to various organisations, to volunteer in different ways, and to be involved with a church or involved in their community. Involvement with other people in a variety of circumstances can have a very powerful and positive effect on mental and physical health.