Social Connection: Critical Factor for Mental and Physical Health
Why Social Connection Is as Important as Diet and Exercise for Health
A comprehensive review published in World Psychiatry examines social connection as a critical factor for both mental and physical health, analyzing evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications for healthcare systems. This landmark analysis reveals that social connections are not just “nice to have” but are fundamental determinants of health outcomes, with impacts comparable to well-established risk factors like smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. The research provides crucial insights into how social relationships affect our biology and what this means for public health policy.