Friendships play a vital role in our lives, offering companionship, self-esteem, and support. They also offer unique health benefits, enhancing many aspects of our physical and mental well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind the benefits of friendship and why investing in meaningful connections can lead to a happier, healthier life.

The Benefits of Friendship to Our Well-being

After decades of investigation, research shows that friendship is essential to our well-being. People who describe having strong friendships experience benefits to all aspects of their well-being.

1. Enhanced Physical Health and Longevity. Friendships can encourage healthy behaviours and even lower mortality risk from various causes, including heart problems and chronic diseases. 
2. Improved mental health. People with strong friendships report greater life satisfaction and psychological well-being. They are also less likely to suffer from depression.
3. Enhanced Self-Esteem. Friendships boost our self-esteem, particularly for those who are single or those in a strained romantic relationship. 

The Benefits of Friendship Across the Lifespan

These health benefits of friendship are evident not just in the short-term but also the long-term. A comprehensive review published in 2023 showed that the quality of our friendships at age 30 can predict our well-being at age 50.

Moreover, a second study showed that the relative importance of friendship to happiness increases with age. As we age, the link between the quality of our friendships and our overall happiness and well-being grows stronger. This underscores the value of nurturing and maintaining friendships throughout our lives.

The Qualities of Strong Friendships

But what makes a friendship strong or high-quality? According to research, there are six key components that contribute to the quality of a friendship.

1. Companionship – Spending time with friends give us the chance to share experiences that bring joy, excitement, and amusement.
2. Support – Friends provide us with support we need and when we need it. The three main types of support include:
   • Emotional support includes encouragement, trust, and empathy.
   • Instrumental support involves practical help, like financial aid or assistance with tasks.
   • Informational support means offering advice, guidance, or useful knowledge.
3. Intimacy – Friendship allows for honest conversations, emotional vulnerability, and mutual sharing and understanding.
4. Reliable Alliance – Friends that are trustworthy provide us stability and loyalty, being there for us when we need them.
5. Self-Validation – Friends reassure us, reinforce our strengths and values, and help us maintain a positive view of and confidence in ourselves.
6. Emotional Security – Friends help us feel safe, comforted, and supported in times of stress or uncertainty.

Summary

The importance of friendships to our overall well-being cannot be overstated. Having strong friendships provides us with the support, reassurance, security, and esteem we need to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate life’s joys. By understanding the value of these relationships and actively working to nurture them, we can significantly enhance our physical and mental health and lead more fulfilling lives. Remember, it’s never too late to form new friendships or strengthen existing ones. The effort we put into these relationships is an investment in our own health and happiness!

Photo credit: Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash