A global study shows that strong social relationships can improve your health

The amount of time people spend with their families during the holiday season may improve their health, according to a new study that examines the relationship between social relationships with intimate social circles and expanded groups and health and mental health
.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Kent, Nottingham Trent University and Coventry University, used self-reported data from more than 13,000 people from 122 countries, collected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
.

The survey assessed the strength
of people's connection to close social circles, such as family and friends, and to large groups, such as countries, governments, and people.
It also measured people's pandemic-related health behaviors as well as mental health and well-being
.

The results showed that only contact with family, not with other groups, was associated with active participation in behaviors that improved health; Examples in this context include washing hands, wearing masks, and social distancing
.

For example, 46 percent of people with strong family relationships wash their hands at least "often," compared to 32 percent of those with weak family ties
.
In addition, 54% of people who are not close to their families say they have never worn a mask
.
Among people who engage in healthy behaviours, the proportion of those who are bound is significantly over-represented
.
Although people with close family ties made up only 27% of the overall sample, they accounted for 73% of those who practiced social distancing, 35% of those who washed their hands, and 36%
of those who "often" wore masks or more.

Research has also found that staying close to close social circles and expanded groups is associated with
better mental health and well-being.
Importantly, the greater the number of close-knit groups people had, the more engaged they were in healthy behaviors, the better they reported mental health, and the less
anxiety and depression they were depressed.

The study recommends that public health messages should focus on smaller networks and multiple groups, especially in times of crisis, and that individuals should be encouraged to share their positive health behaviors
with their intimate social circles.

Research has also shown that health care systems can reduce dependence
on medication by using social prescriptions to support individuals who do not have these connections in their lives.

The study, which includes a wide range of countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil and Peru, has implications for addressing negative impacts on physical and mental health from a global perspective
.
The study covered so many people around the globe that it was beyond the scope of
traditional psychological methods.

Dr Martha Newsom, an anthropologist at the University of Kent, said: "This study illustrates the universal need for belonging, which is one of
the reasons we think it's important to take a truly diverse sample from around the globe.
" No matter where you are in the world, other people are important
to you.

"We found that having large groups is important to encourage better health behaviors, including connections to abstract groups such as states or governments, but most importantly our closest friends and family – groups that we may have realized since the beginning of human history
.
"

"In times of turmoil, such as during disasters, social crises or pandemics, our social bonds are key
to gaining support.
" When we decide what action to take, we focus on the people
we trust and identify with.
That's why our close relationships with our families—many of us share important life events with and learn from—can promote healthy behaviors
.

"At the same time, having strong social connections – no matter how abstract or distant – is essential
to promoting mental health.
" Our research shows that intimate and broad social relationships provide different sources of
support and direction.
”

Dr Valerie van Murukham, Assistant Professor at Coventry University's Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, said: "In the West, we tend to think of ourselves as individuals
who must survive and conquer the world on their own.
Our research shows that, in fact, humans are very social animals that benefit from and depend on their communities in more than one
way.
This is even more evident
in challenging times.
Government policies should take into account these psychological needs and mechanisms, involving local authorities and grassroots organizations to maximize
efficiency and well-being in times of disaster.
”

The paper was published in
the journal Science Advances.