Social connection improves individual behavior and well-being in times of turmoil

Research from UK academic institutions of 13,263 participants from 122 countries during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic showed that social connections affect behaviors and, consequently, people’s health and well-being during episodes of collective crisis on a large scale. The results of the global study indicate new guidelines for the success of public and mental health actions in times of turbulence or isolation.

The data were published in the international journal Science Advance and highlight, above all, the importance of the family and close groups for the successful adoption of safety behaviors, as well as for the emotional support of individuals.

The article “Social bonds are related to health behaviors and positive wellbeing globally” was released this Friday (13) by the American Society of Advances in Science.

Bahar Tunçgenç, Valerie van Mulukom and Martha Newson, authors of the study, are linked to the departments of psychology and social sciences at the universities of Oxford, Nottingham Trent, Kent and Coventry. According to them, since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, scientific reports have observed an increase in social isolation and anxiety, as well as a deeper dependence on social connection in various areas for guidance on health protocols.

The researchers found that social bonds, particularly with family, led to better health behaviors during the pandemic. They also observed that intense bonds (strong feelings of trust, belonging and commitment) with certain social groups were associated with greater well-being and healthy postures —with the exception of distancing, since face-to-face contact is what connects these circles.

Two large datasets were used in the survey that examined connection with close social circles (ie family and friends) and extended groups (country, government and humanity) in the early months of the pandemic in 2020. Samples were collected from more than 100 participants in three Southern Hemisphere countries (Bangladesh, Brazil and Peru) to balance the data brought from the Northern Hemisphere.

“The need to belong and connect with others is a universal human issue, but the ways in which individuals represent their relationships are culturally variable,” the authors report.

However, in contrast to previous studies, the researchers found no evidence to suggest that one’s nationality or ties to one’s country improved health behavior. “Public health messages and psychological support should target smaller networks, such as families and grassroots organizations, to protect communities from the impacts of global crises,” they warn.

Even demographically and geographically diverse, the participants demonstrated that the individual’s identity tends to be merged with group norms and values, leading people to follow the behavior of their closest networks, regardless of the country of origin.

These bonds have important effects, altering behaviors and conferring substantial physical and mental health benefits in times of stress.

“The connection with close people, circles of friends and family provides support and guidance in challenging times. For example, during tornadoes or fire emergencies, people expect their loved ones to decide how to behave, whether to flee or not”, he exemplifies. the study.

When critical personal life events occur—heart failure or a stroke, for example—this tendency repeats itself. If our group is supportive and supportive of this decision, then we are more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes.

The panel assessed that strong identification with the local community before the pandemic was associated with greater likelihood of providing services and support to neighbors during isolation, as well as greater adherence to rules.

The authors also argue that the WHO (World Health Organization) definition of mental health is not the absence of a mental illness, but the presence of “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to contribute to his community.” This reinforces the thesis of social connection as a basis for coping with crises.

Group A completed an online questionnaire available in eight languages ​​(Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, German, English, French, Italian, European Portuguese and Spanish) between March 28 and April 24, 2020. Participants answered questions about the use of mask, hygiene behaviors (such as washing hands for at least 20 seconds), and emotional state during the pandemic.

Group B was offered another document, with a choice of 12 languages ​​(Arabic, Bangla, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Persian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish) and application between April 9 and May 24, 2020 In this questionnaire, respondents reported the extent to which they followed the general advice to “maintain physical distance from others”.

The criterion for inclusion in the sets was age: a minimum of 18 years old for A, and 16 years old for B. Membership was obtained through advertisements on the authors’ social networks and local media channels, as well as in groups of Facebook, Reddit and Twitter.

For psychologist Yuri Busin, doctor in behavioral neuroscience and postgraduate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, data show that the feeling of belonging to a group is capable of affecting mental health.

“This study takes a very specific cut, that of the pandemic, in which we had great social isolation. With this impact came millions of psychological issues in addition to those of Covid, which were people who were increasingly depressed, anxious and even losing social ties “, says Busin.

The psychologist reinforces that not everyone can count on a family to strengthen themselves and that, although important, the internet does not usually meet the need for really close contact for quality emotional support. “This feeling of belonging, of security in a group, of not feeling lonely and misunderstood is a reality. Although many people have difficulties or frustrations with others, we are social beings”, he says.