The Science of Friendship
The Science of Why Friendships Keep Us Healthy by Zara Abrams (2023) discusses the science behind how platonic relationships boost people’s health and well-being.
Psychological research suggests that stable, healthy friendships are crucial for our well-being and longevity.
People who have friends and close confidants are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression (Choi, K. W., et al., The American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 177, No. 10, 2020). They’re also less likely to die from all causes, including heart problems and a range of chronic diseases (Holt-Lunstad, J., et al., PLOS Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 7, 2010; Steptoe, A., et al., PNAS, Vol. 110, No. 15, 2013).
“On the other hand, when people are low in social connection—because of isolation, loneliness, or poor-quality relationships—they face an increased risk of premature death,” said Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University who studies how relationships affect the body and brain.
Fortunately, research also suggests that friendships can be made and maintained at any age, relationships with friends can strengthen or stand in for romantic relationships, and even minimal social interactions can be powerful. (Abrams, 2023)
The research discussed here shows that friendships have a big impact on people’s health. This emphasises the importance of connecting with others and building relationships.
How can we encourage people to connect with others more?
Given the clear benefits of friendship, psychologists say we should promote platonic social connection across society—including in school, at work, in public spaces (such as on public transportation), and through entertainment.
“After having to reduce social contact during the pandemic, we’ve realized how it impacts basically every sector of society,” said Holt-Lunstad. “That suggests that each of these sectors can potentially play a role in solutions.”
Researchers still have a lot to learn about how and why social connection supports health and well-being. The National Institutes of Health and other organizations are distributing funding for studies on “dyadic processes”—or interactions between two people—including exciting new efforts to collect fMRI data on friends while they communicate. (Abrams, 2023)
The article highlights that friendships and social interactions can directly impact not only people’s happiness, but also their health.
Multi-party banking is one method Huntington has already implemented to promote social interactions between people. The Caregiver Banking feature allows people to help protect their loved ones' finances. How can I expand on the concept of multi-party banking to promote friendships?
Another great way for people to build relationships and connect is through traveling with friends. Planning and budgeting for these trips together can also promote positive social interactions. How can I design a system that makes planning and budgeting for travel easier and more accessible for groups of friends?
References.
Abrams, Z. (2023, June 1). The Science of Why Friendships Keep Us Healthy. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/cover-story-science-friendship
A.I. was not used for this article.
