By Dr. Christine Klinkhoff, Psy.D, C.Psych
As fundamentally social creatures, humans seek relationships with others. Building connections offers us a sense of satisfaction and gives life purpose[1]. The ongoing pandemic has made it challenging to connect with the people in our social circles and has placed a strain on relationships. While connecting online through Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms is possible, the positive outcomes we obtain through these forums often do not compare to face-to-face interactions. Consequently, people are feeling more disconnected and lonely, which can have devastating consequences on mental health and wellbeing.
Social connectedness refers to an individual’s perception of “emotional distance or connectedness between one’s self and other people, both friends and society” [2]. Higher levels of social connectedness are associated with increased well-being and higher self-esteem. Conversely, low levels of social connectedness have been associated with unhealthy cognitive, emotional, and social development[3]. Given that interaction with other humans is paramount to our mental health, how can we maintain our friendships with current limits placed on face-to-face contact? Below are some recommendations on how to connect with others during the pandemic.
- Go for a weekly walk with a friend. Although it is cold and this is one of the only ways we can see people face-to-face. Plan ahead and walk in a new neighborhood every time.
- Plan for the future. Book a weekend or trip for next fall or winter with a friend.
- Schedule one phone call per week with a friend. This will help you to stay accountable and connected but won’t overwhelm you with social commitments.
- Play a virtual board game or a video game with a friend. This can take the pressure off having to provide an update about your life when you do not have much news to report.
- Take an online class together. This could be a cooking class, a language class, or a fitness class.
[1]Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments and fundamental motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 497–529.
[2]Lee, R., & Robbins, S. (1995). Measuring belongingness: The social connectedness and the social assurance scales. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42, 232-241.
[3]Newcomb, A.F. & Bagwell, C.L. (1996). The development significance of children’s friendships. In W.M. Bukowski, A.F. Newcomb & W.W. Hartup (Eds), The company they keep: Friendships in childhood and adolescence (pp 289-321). Cambridge, England: Cambridge University.
Images
dualororua. (n.d.). Cartoon . VectorStock. https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/sad-girl-cartoon-sitting-alone-vector-21558557.