Social Connection & Health: Why It Matters
- Despite growing evidence, the health risks of social isolation and loneliness are widely underestimated by both the general public and medical professionals, according to new research.
- Holt-Lunstad and doctoral student Andrew Proctor recently published studies revealing a significant gap in understanding.
- Proctor noted the pandemic's influence on internet searches related to isolation and loneliness.
Social isolation poses meaningful health risks, often underestimated by both the public and medical professionals.New research highlights a critical gap in understanding the importance of social connection for overall well-being. Healthcare providers frequently overlook this vital aspect, lacking the time or resources to address patients’ social needs despite growing evidence, as emphasized by experts like Julianne Holt-Lunstad. Even with increased awareness, the importance of social connection for physical health remains undervalued. News Directory 3 covers the latest findings. Moreover, this study emphasizes the need for improved education and strategies to integrate social considerations into medical care. These studies underscore the importance of recognizing social connection as a critical health factor akin to a vital sign. Discover what’s next in actionable strategies to combat social isolation.
Social Connection: Health risks of isolation Underestimated
Updated May 25, 2025
Despite growing evidence, the health risks of social isolation and loneliness are widely underestimated by both the general public and medical professionals, according to new research. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a Brigham Young University psychology and neuroscience professor, has extensively studied social connection and its impact on well-being. Her work includes advising the World Health Organization on its upcoming report addressing loneliness as a global health threat.
Holt-Lunstad and doctoral student Andrew Proctor recently published studies revealing a significant gap in understanding. While social connection is a crucial health factor, most people, including healthcare providers, don’t fully recognize its impact on physical health. Even those who acknowledge its importance frequently enough lack the time or resources to address patients’ social concerns.
Proctor noted the pandemic’s influence on internet searches related to isolation and loneliness. Their research, involving a survey of 2,392 adults in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, found that despite increased awareness campaigns, the importance of social connection for physical health remains underestimated across the board.
“Social connection is like a vital sign,” Proctor said, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of its importance in medical care.
A related study, surveying 681 healthcare providers, mirrored these findings. The providers also underestimated the medical relevance of social connection. However, the study revealed that awareness was higher among a cohort from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), which researchers attribute to the university’s Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network and the release of the 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory.
“What I hope is that these studies can spur recognition that there is a body of evidence showing social connection as medically relevant,” said Holt-Lunstad.
holt-Lunstad emphasized that awareness is only the frist step. The research highlights the need for improved education and strategies for healthcare providers, as well as revisions to healthcare curricula and public health campaigns.
What’s next
Future research will focus on addressing barriers to integrated medical treatment and actionable strategies like “social prescribing” to combat social isolation and improve overall health outcomes.