Many people are just now starting to explore the ways in which mental and physical health are interconnected; poor mental health can lead to poor physical health, and vice versa. Humans are relational beings, which often means that social relationships can have a profound effect on overall health. A lack of relationships (or the presence of strained relationships) can lead to an increase in stress hormones, a weakened immune system, and can lessen cardiovascular function. More specifically, lonely people often drink more alcohol, eat poorly, exercise less, and get less sleep than those who have healthy relationships and social ties. Social ties are often separated into two groups: primary and secondary.  

The primary groups consist of those closest to the individual, which is often immediate family members and close friends. The primary group tends to be more informal and contains people that would carry the most influence with the individual. Primary group members are often classified by their emotional and time investment with the individual. Secondary group members are often a broader scope of people; ones with whom the individual would have a more formal relationship. Secondary group members could be schoolmates, coworkers, or fellow members within a religious organization. The relationships of both groups have an impact on each individual and their health.  

Those with a strong sense of social support often engage in healthier habits and often have healthier coping mechanisms for stressful situations as they arise. People who are embedded in social networks tend to emulate the patterns and behaviors of those around them, regardless of whether the behaviors are positive and healthy or not. Opportunities for social support to impact health are known as health pathways, and include physical health, psychological health, and physiological health. 

By Rebecca Hooper, Graduate Assistant at the Center for Social Development and Education