Recent research reveals that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers significantly reduces loneliness and enhances affective well-being. Conducted over three years with university students, the study tracked social interactions and momentary well-being across three cohorts. While previous studies have explored the impact of social interactions within various contexts, this new research examines explicitly the positive effects of meaningful interactions on well-being. Lead author Mahnaz Roshanaei from Stanford University emphasises, “Our findings indicate that meaningful social interactions contribute positively to affective well-being, stress management, and reducing loneliness.”
The study underscores the significance of the interaction context. Face-to-face interactions yielded more excellent well-being benefits than virtual communication channels like messaging and texting. Moreover, the timing of interactions mattered; meaningful social interactions during rest periods showed higher well-being outcomes than during activities such as studying or dining.
The research also highlighted how the context of social interactions shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. While pre-pandemic settings significantly influenced well-being outcomes, the pandemic’s lockdowns demonstrated that online interactions could also positively impact well-being during periods of isolation.
Acknowledging the study’s limitations, mainly its focus on university students in the United States, researchers suggest future investigations encompass more diverse demographics and explore the subjective experiences of social interactions in greater depth.
Dr. Roshanaei anticipates that these findings could inform the development of tailored interventions aimed at enhancing social well-being. “This research lays the groundwork for personalised strategies that promote healthy social lives,” she notes, suggesting potential applications in designing personalised recommendations for fostering social support and connections. This practical application of the research findings is a significant step towards improving mental health through social engagement strategies.
Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of meaningful social interactions in promoting well-being. It offers insights that could shape future approaches to improving mental health through social engagement strategies. The findings of this research indicate that meaningful social interactions significantly reduce loneliness and enhance affective well-being, which are significant contributions to the field of mental health and social well-being.
More information: Mahnaz Roshanaei et al, Meaningful Peer Social Interactions and Momentary Well-Being in Context, Social Psychological and Personality Science. DOI: 10.1177/19485506241248271
Journal information: Social Psychological and Personality Science Provided by The Society for Personality and Social Psychology
