Pillars Of Social Connection

Recently, the World Health Organisation launched a flagship report declaring social connections a global public health priority. This is a monumental step in elevating the importance of social connection as a critical factor for global health. Yet, at the same time, Google search trend analyses reveal that the query “where to meet people” was at a historic all-time high. Taken together, these reflect something powerful—the growing recognition that social connection matters—but we may not know how to achieve it.

While the terms “social connection” and “social relationships” are often used interchangeably, they are related yet hold distinct meanings. Relationships, particularly close relationships, typically involve deep, sustained interpersonal interactions characterised by significant emotional investment, mutual understanding, and commitment—think of your best friend, romantic partner, or close family member. Social connection is much bigger than just our close relationships. Social connection encompasses the diverse types of relationships, roles, and interactions, including the people in our lives whom we can rely on and who can rely on us, as well as the positive and negative aspects of these connections. 

It encompasses our closest relationships, as well as our casual acquaintances and even brief exchanges with strangers. In fact, there are potential benefits of interacting with complete strangers and even the mere presence of others with whom we have no relationship. Social connections are vital to our overall health and happiness, and research shows that an absence or lack of connection results in many adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including increased depression, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, Type II diabetes, and dementia. 

To help us better understand this powerful determinant of health, I’ve proposed a framework of social connection. Based on my 25 years of research, I’ve identified three key components or pillars: structure, function, and quality. Understanding these can help us enhance each component of social connection and, by extension, our well-being.

If we understand that our social connection is as critical to our health and survival as food and water, we can draw upon this as an analogy to help us understand how we need to act. Just as we need an adequate amount of food eaten at regular intervals (structure), these foods provide a variety of nutrients that are necessary to fuel our bodies (function). However, foods can vary in their quality and can even spoil. Hunger lets us know when one of these needs may not be met, and similarly, loneliness is the symptom that at least one of our social needs is not being met. So, let’s dive into what each of the social needs looks like.

Structure refers to the size and diversity of our social network and the frequency of our social interactions. Essentially, it involves having people in our lives. This includes how many people we’re connected to, how often we interact with them, and the variety of people in our lives (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, neighbours). The strength of these connections is also influenced by the frequency and consistency of interactions. Regular, reliable social contact strengthens our ties to others.

The existence of these relationships, roles, and interactions forms the foundation, or structure, essential for the other two pillars. Without people in our lives, we cannot benefit from the functions they serve or the positive qualities they possess. Nonetheless, simply having people in our lives is not enough either; that is why we also need the other two pillars.

Social connection also serves a variety of functions in our lives, meeting various needs and goals, including providing both practical and emotional support. Having people we can rely upon is crucial during times of crisis and overall daily well-being. Supportive people in our lives can mitigate the adverse health effects of stress and adversity, promote resilience, reduce vulnerability to mental health issues, and assist in maintaining physical health. Knowing we can count on others and having others who can count on us also empowers us to build confidence and resilience that can influence how we show up in our relationships, community, workplace, and the world.

The quality of social connections reflects the positive or negative aspects of our relationships and interactions. High-quality relationships are often satisfying and supportive, characterised by lower levels of persistent conflict, and contribute to higher self-efficacy and happiness. Low-quality relationships, on the other hand, are characterised by frequent conflicts and stress, and can negatively impact health, affecting both day-to-day happiness and long-term well-being. While relationships come with both costs and benefits, high negativity and positivity within a particular relationship may also be detrimental to our health due to the unpredictable nature of these relationships. The joy and/or strain within our relationships and interactions can accumulate over time.

Understanding the distinct role of each of the key pillars—structure, function, and quality—is essential to understanding how social connection impacts our health and well-being. Each contributes in unique ways, and when nurtured together, they contribute to healthier and more fulfilling lives. Encouraging strong, supportive, and positive relationships isn’t just critical for individuals—it is essential for building strong and resilient communities. Something the world needs now more than ever.

-Psychology Today