Social connections are the interactions, relationships, roles, and sense of connection that humans experience. Social connection is dynamic – it changes over time – and there are many ways to connect socially. But each connection has one or more of these important components: structure, function, and quality.
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Each component is important for health, because having social connections can be a proactive approach to living a fulfilled and happy life.
Structure
The number and variety of relationships (friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc.), and how often interactions with others occur.
Quality
Relationships and interactions that are positive, helpful, or satisfying.
Function
How much others can be relied on for various needs, including emotional support, support in a crisis, spiritual support, instrumental support, and informational support.