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

Daniel Castro – Ribeiro Brito, SP (continuing) – Research conducted by British academic institutions involving 13,263 participants from 122 countries during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that social connections influence behaviours, and thus people’s health and well-being during episodes of mass crisis on a large scale. The results of the global study point to new guidelines for the success of public and mental health actions in times of upheaval or isolation.

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

The article “Social Links to Health Behaviors and Positive Well-Being Worldwide” was released this Friday (13) by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Study authors Bahar Tonchjenek, Valerie van Mollokum and Martha Newson are associated with 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 noted an increase in social isolation and anxiety, as well as a deeper reliance on social contact in various fields for guidance on health protocols.

The researchers found that social connections, especially with family, led to better healthy behaviors during the pandemic. They also noted that strong connections (strong feelings of trust, belonging, and commitment) with certain social groups were associated with greater well-being and health statuses—except for distancing, because face-to-face contact is what connects these circuits.

Two large data sets were used in the survey that examined the relationship with close social circles (i.e. family and friends) and extended groups (state, government and humanity) in the early months of the pandemic in 2020. Samples were collected from more than 100 participants in three countries in the hemisphere Southern (Bangladesh, Brazil and Peru) to balance the data brought in 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, unlike previous studies, the researchers found no evidence to suggest that an individual’s nationality or ties to one’s state lead to improved health behaviour. They warn that “public health and psychological support messages should target smaller networks, such as families and grassroots organizations, to protect communities from the effects of global crises.”

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

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

“Contact with close people and circles of friends and family provides support and guidance during difficult times. For example, during hurricanes or fire emergencies, people expect their loved ones to decide how to act, whether to flee or not.

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

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

The authors also argue that the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of mental health is not the absence of mental illness, but rather the existence of “a state of well-being in which the individual is aware of his or her own capabilities, and can handle them. The normal stresses of life can function productively and productively, and are able to contribute to his community.” This reinforces the theory of social attachment as a basis for dealing with crises.

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

Group B was shown another document, with a choice of 12 languages ​​(Arabic, Bengali, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Farsi, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish) and the app between April 9 and May 24, 2020 In this questionnaire, respondents reported how well they followed general advice to “keep physical distance.” from others.”

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

For psychologist Yuri Busin, MD, a physician in behavioral neuroscience and a graduate in cognitive behavioral therapy, data shows that a sense of belonging to a group can affect mental health.

“This study takes a very specific edge, that of the pandemic, in which we had great social isolation. With this impact came millions of psychological problems in addition to those of Covid, who were increasingly suffering from depression, anxiety and even a loss of social connections,” Poussin says.

The psychologist stresses that not everyone can rely on the family to strengthen themselves, and despite the importance of the Internet, the Internet does not usually satisfy the need for really close contact for good 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 each other, we are social beings,” he says.

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