![]() ![]() As Maslow describes it, feeling part of a group larger than oneself such as a work community, religious affiliation, community center, volunteer organization, team, interest group, or club is an essential component in the self-actualization process. In his hierarchy, there are 5 important needs for psychological growth and development: ( a) physiological, ( b) shelter, ( c) love and belongingness, ( d) esteem, and ( e) self-actualization. 10 Abraham Maslow documented and explained the importance of connection, which he called “love and belongingness,” in his book Motivation and Personality, published in 1954. Seminal psychological theories, such as Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs,” included the concept of social connection. History of Connection as a Basic Human Need By exploring the research from 50 years ago as well as the most recent data, this article strives to highlight the power of social interactions and to introduce the concept of the connection prescription as an integral part of the health care equation. Answers to these questions can be used to improve a patient’s weight management, diabetes control, hypertension, mood, and even immune function. Asking patients how many close friends they have, if they belong to any organizations or groups that meet regularly, and how often they spend time socializing with others is one way to ensure that social connection receives the attention it deserves. The time is right for a “Connection Is Medicine” campaign. The “Exercise Is Medicine” campaign helped bolster support for the exercise prescription. Social connection should be viewed and treated as a vital sign much like physical activity. Prescribing social interactions and encouraging friendships has the potential to have a healing effect on patients. Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. Reprinted from Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. The effect sizes were estimated from meta analyses: A = Shavelle et al, 2008 2 B = Critchley and Capewell, 2003 3 C = Holman et al, 1996 4 D = Fine et al, 1994 5 E = Taylor et al, 2004 6 F, G = Katzmarzyk et al, 2003 7 H = Insua et al, 1994 8 I = Schwartz, 1994. ![]() Note: Effect size of zero indicates no effect. 1 In addition, the devastating effects of loneliness and social isolation have been well researched.Ĭomparison of odds (ln OR) of decreased mortality across several conditions associated with mortality. Low social interaction was reported to be similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and to being an alcoholic, to be more harmful than not exercising, and to be twice as harmful as obesity. The review article by Holt-Lunstad and colleagues is a powerful demonstration of the evidence base behind social connection and health. High social support and social integration are associated with the lowest relative odds of mortality compared to many other well accepted risk factors for cardiovascular disease ( Figure 1). In a meta-analysis by Holt-Lunstad and colleagues 1 at Brigham Young University, they examined 148 articles published on the effects of human interactions on health outcomes, and they reported that social connections with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues improves the odds of survival by 50%. Moreover, humans have lived in groups for thousands of years. There are decades of research that support the importance of social connection. The social ecological model of change stresses that we exist in communities and these groups have an important impact on individuals and their behaviors. Incorporating social support and connections is critical for overall health and for healthy habits to be sustainable. Lifestyle medicine is the growing specialty that works to formalize the counseling and prescriptions for healthy habits, including regular exercise, nutritious foods, stress management, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol use. Fostering these connections is critical to health and wellness. Individuals need connections in their lives in the workplace and at home. It is time to appreciate and utilize connection and social bonds as part of lifestyle counseling. ‘“Incorporating social support and connections is critical for overall health and for healthy habits to be sustainable.”’
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