Are Social Ties Healthy?

Social Relationships and Health
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Social Relationships and Health
Social relationships are among the factors deemed significant in influencing an individual's health and lifestyle. As Thomas et al. (2017) assert, there is substantial research evidence showing that social relationships formed between individuals and family, friends, and community have a profound influence on people's well-being across the lifespan. This influence can either be positive or negative.
Positive Effects
Quality familial relationships entailing social support such as love care and advice can positively influence individuals' psychosocial, psychological, and behavioral well-being. According to Thomas et al. (2017), stressor process theory posits that social support can serve as a protective resource against stress. As such, having quality family relationships that provide social support enhances individuals' resolve to deal with any life stressors. Additionally, familial, social support is deemed important in improving a person's self-esteem. Thomas et al. (2017) capture this by their assertion that individuals receiving support from family develop a greater sense of self-worth that is important, especially in promoting mental health. Family members may also regulate each other's behavior through advice to encourage each other to adopt healthier ways. Such advice contributes to individuals' healthy lifestyles.
Social relationships' influence on health and well-being may also be explained using the symbolic meaning of a certain social tie. For example, the meaning attached to friendship and marriage relationships may influence a greater sense of responsibility for a person to stay healthy. Research has shown that people adopt the behaviors of individuals they relate to. In other words, people adjust their behavior with regard to the surrounding environment. As such, being around friends who value health helps individuals to adopt behaviors that are in sync with their friends' healthy habits.
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