Question

Reflect on the "Failure to Thrive" web link and 2016 Research on Social Relationships and Mortality article. Write a reflection on something specific that you learned from these resources regarding health and emotions.

Answer 1

Social support is crucial for health and mortality. Strong social relationships reduce the risk of mortality, while negative aspects of close relationships can harm health.

Step-by-step explanation:

Research consistently shows the importance of social support in health and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that individuals with stronger social relationships have a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to those with weak or insufficient social connections. For example, a statistical review of 148 studies found that individuals with strong social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. This effect is comparable to quitting smoking and exceeds many well-known risk factors for mortality, such as obesity and physical inactivity.

Furthermore, negative aspects of close relationships, such as disagreements or lack of emotional support, can have a detrimental impact on health. A longitudinal study of over 9,000 British civil servants found that those with the highest levels of negative interactions in their closest relationship were 34% more likely to experience serious heart problems over a 13-15 year period.

In summary, social support plays a vital role in health and longevity. Strong social connections can significantly reduce the risk of mortality, while negative aspects of close relationships can have negative health consequences.