Having strong social connections can improve your health, according to global study
Published: 18/01/2023
The study found that strong bonds with close social circles and extended groups is associated with better mental health and wellbeing.
The study, led by researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), University of Kent and Coventry University, assessed people’s strength of bonding with close social circles, such as family and friends, as well as with extended groups, such as country, government and humanity.
Results show that having strong bonds with both close social circles and extended groups is associated with better mental health and wellbeing. Importantly, the greater number of groups people had strong bonds with, the higher their engagement in health behaviours and the better their reported psychological wellbeing was, with less anxiety and depression.
Senior Lecturer in Psychology at NTU’s School of Social Sciences, Dr Bahar Tunçgenç, said: “Having strong social connections – no matter how abstract or distant these might be – is crucial for promoting mental health. Our research shows that close and extended social bonds offer different sources of support and direction.”
There are plenty of ways to make new social connections at NTU, from volunteering and sport, to visiting our Global Lounges or joining a society, or why not come along to an event?