Final answer:
True, loneliness can lower a person's resistance to various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and infections. Social support has been demonstrated to enhance health outcomes and survival rates, whereas loneliness correlates with increased disease risk through psychological distress and personality traits associated with poor health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that loneliness may lower a person's resistance to disease is true. Research has shown that individuals with low levels of social support can be at a greater risk of mortality, specifically from cardiovascular disorders and other illnesses such as breast cancer and HIV. Sociability appears to have a protective effect on health, with studies indicating that individuals with more social interactions are less likely to contract common colds and other infections.
For example, one study exposed participants to a virus after assessing their sociability. Results indicated a direct correlation where increased sociability decreased the probability of developing a cold. Moreover, social connectedness has been proven to reduce mortality rates, a fact substantiated by long-term studies such as the one conducted on residents of Alameda County, California.
Personality traits, depression, and anxiety, often associated with loneliness, have been identified as risk factors contributing to various diseases. Loneliness not only can affect physical health by making individuals more susceptible to illness but also contributes to psychological distress, further impacting overall well-being. Thus, the importance of social support and networks is critical not only for mental health but also for physical health and longevity.