Do You Want To Make More Friends And Build More Meaningful Relationships? Are You Curious About The Biology And Health Benefits Of Social Connection? Do You Want To Know What Thoughts, Emotions And Behavior Patterns Are Involved In Chronic Loneliness? Listen Now And Learn 8 Research-Based Tips To Make And Maintain Social Connection! Humans are inherently social creatures, and having supportive relationships with cooperative groups has always been crucial for our survival. Yet, people are reporting more and more chronic loneliness and social isolation in recent years. Psychology researchers have learned that when people are chronically lonely or isolated, their mental and physical health are likely to suffer. In this episode, Dr. Debbie Sorensen and Dr. Diana Hill explore the profound importance of social connection in the lives of human beings. We look into the biology behind social connection and explore some research and ideas about the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that play a role loneliness. Most importantly, we provide suggestions to help people who want to increase social connectivity and build more meaningful relationships. SOURCES AND ADDITIONAL READING: Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection, by John T. Cacioppo and William Patrick.Stanford Infographic on Connectedness and HealthMetaanalysis Examining Social Relationships and MortalitySocial Media and Perceived Isolation StudyAARP Study on LonelinessA Loneliness Measure: The UCLA Loneliness Scale