How Friendship Effects Well Being

By Nadine Briggs

The Pew Research Center conducted a study in September/October of 2022 to understand how parents in the U.S. approach parenting. I personally found this study interesting because it was completed in a late stage of the pandemic. Parents that we speak to routinely express concerns about how the pandemic has had a negative impact on their children’s social life and well being.

The Pew Research Center study, results showed:

40% of parents are extremely/very concerned that their kids are struggling with anxiety or depression.

35% of parents are extremely/very concerned about bullying

These results show that there is widespread concern for kids.

Friendships can help!

There is a wealth of scientific evidence supporting the positive impact of friendships on overall well being and happiness. Studies have shown that having close social connections can reduce stress and depression, improve mood and self-esteem, and increase overall well-being. Additionally, people with strong social support networks are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and have better outcomes in dealing with life’s challenges. One famous decades long study is described in this Ted Talk:

In another study, it was found that “in the United States, the better one felt one’s social relationships were, the less being stressed predicted depressive symptoms.”

In yet another study, “The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous. Proven links include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships. Strong, healthy relationships can also help to strengthen your immune system, help you recover from disease, and may even lengthen your life.”

We coach children/teens/young adults on how to form meaningful friendships.

Friends and social connections matter. Having meaningful, supportive friendships is a key factor in overall happiness and well-being. Enroll in a free trial and see if it works for your family.

If your child/teen/young adult needs coaching to help them make friends, contact us to schedule a trial https://calendly.com/simplysocialkids/30min or find out more about our weekly programs by contacting us at 978-764-2758 or info@simplysocialkids.com.