Social Connectedness and Mental Health: Findings, Theories, and Future Directions

This chapter provides a selective and focused review of the empirical literature linking social relationship status and functioning with common mental health disorders. Social connectedness is the overarching term that provides a conceptual map for thinking integratively about ways in which close relationship processes exist, operate, and interact. A central argument of this chapter is that the research on relationships and mental health will be enhanced through research that integrates social epidemiological findings with detailed methods and measures in the field of psychological science. Salubrious relationship processes are associated with decreased risk for a range of disorders, whereas social disconnection and relational strain are associated with increased risk for poor mental health outcomes. Our review provides empirical illustrations from the existing literature, reviews several theoretical perspectives on mechanisms of action, and concludes by outlining topics for future research.