On social health: Conceptualization, Correlates and Patterning

Abstract

Drawing upon extensive literature on the importance of social relationships from across social science and health disciplines, we propose a strong conceptualization of social health as a dynamic and multifaceted construct with the ability to expand and focus theory, research and practice. We define social health as the perceived and actual availability and quality of one’s various social relationships. Using this conceptualization, we demonstrate how a tripartite model of health, situated within the human body (and mind), best explains well-documented interrelationships between physical, psychological and social aspects of health. In order to describe the utility and importance of social health, we discuss its significance to understanding and addressing population health concerns, especially health inequalities, as well as recent major global events, including the rise of “deaths of despair” and the COVID-19 pandemic. By renewing research on social health under the framework presented herein, scholars can unify disparate lines of work on constructs ranging from loneliness and social integration to close relationship quality and social capital. Moreover, we argue that adoption of the concept of social health is critical to the success of nations, states and health systems across societies in guaranteeing an optimal state of health for all.

Relational consequences of stigma: Bridging research on social stigma with relationship science

“…Throughout the research in this special issue, the role of policy in shaping relational outcomes for members of stigmatized groups has been highlighted. Eliminating discriminatory policy, such as marriage bans (Frost & LeBlanc, 2023), prohibitions on gender‐affirming care (Lewis et al., 2023), and forced relocation of people experiencing homelessness (Rea, 2023), as well as introducing policy aimed at remediating social inequalities, such as universal basic income (Petsnik & Vorauer, 2023), multicultural immigration policy (Froehlich et al, 2023), and adequate parental leave (Vink et al., 2023), will be vital to ensuring not only physical and mental health equity, but also equity in social health between members of stigmatized and dominant groups (Doyle & Link, 2022). It is our aim that this special issue points toward a framework for scholars to further push the boundaries in understanding the social consequences of stigma.…”

“…The authors highlighted the need for gender identity services and charities to provide support for not only transgender people, but also their relational partners, in order to enable health equity. Together, these papers highlight the importance of access to strong and supportive social relationships for success in education and one's career (as well as other life events, such as gender identity transition), providing support for the notion that impaired social relationships may act as a mechanism linking social stigma to poorer life chances (Doyle & Link, 2022).…”

“…For example, some past research suggests that exposure to prejudice and discrimination not only harms romantic relationships, but also relationships with friends (e.g., Doyle & Molix, 2016), family (e.g., Murry et al., 2001), co‐workers (Veldman et al., 2021) and healthcare providers (Crandall & Coleman, 1992). In fact, impaired access to these diverse types of relationships may be one way in which stigma damages life chances for members of devalued groups (Doyle & Link, 2022).…”

Toward a More Relational Model of Sexual Minority Identity Concealment

“…How a person reacts to disclosure doesn’t just pattern the discloser’s own psychological adaptations, it also affects those who are disclosed to and shapes the relationship itself, for better or for worse (Clair et al, 2005 ; Phillips et al, 2009 ; Valentine et al, 2003 ). Consequently, close relationship functioning has powerful bidirectional associations with mental health and well-being (Doyle & Link, 2022 ), part of which is linked to how relational partners respond to the disclosure of stigmatized identities. So, rather than viewing reactions to disclosure as predictors of future psychological outcomes, we may consider them as instigators of a chain of processes that influence social relationships and consequent health and well-being throughout the life course.…”

Gender identity services must better integrate members of transgender people's social networks in care

“…Existing services, such as Depend in the United Kingdom, (H)Erkenning in the Netherlands and LISTAG in Turkey, should be provided ongoing resources and funding and be clearly signposted in their respective healthcare systems, ideally from the point of referral to gender-affirming care, rather than at entry, as waitlists currently extend for months or even years. Proper healthcare for transgender people involves attending to not only their physical and mental health, but their social health as well, 10 necessitating integration of relational partners throughout care. Ensuring strong and supportive social relationships is a matter of health equity for transgender patients.…”