Social Connectedness

What is social connectedness?

Social connectedness refers to the social support, which includes having strong relationships, feeling valued, and feeling you have contributed (to one's family, neighborhood, community, etc.) in a meaningful way. It can include aspects of belonging, loneliness, isolation, inclusion and more. Feeling supported goes beyond the number of friends one has and encompasses factors such as the strength and quality of those relationships, feeling valued as an individual, and the concept of being able to contribute in a meaningful way.

How does social connectedness affect health?

Social connectedness affects mental health and influences health behaviors. There are many ways to measure social connectedness or belonging for adults and youth. In a 2018 community conversation series hosted by the Winnebago County Drug and Alcohol Coalition, the primary theme shared was the need to increase social support in order to prevent and reduce substance use among youth and adults. A It Takes a Community & Connectedness is Key report was shared to our community with the findings.

Disparities

Specific populations in any community may feel more isolated than others. This may be the case with ethnic populations, the LGBTQ population, populations with special needs, populations living in poverty, youth, etc. Winnebago County Health Department had the opportunity to learn more about what youth think of the health of the communities they live in through a series of community conversations. Some of the findings relate to social connectedness and also shed light on other community health issues.

Youth & Social Connectedness

Youth Risk Behavior Survey

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey or YRBS, asks students about levels of family support, school belongingness, teacher and adult support, as well as the ability to receive help when they need it. Family support and school belongingness emerged as the two most impactful areas of connectedness and support in relation to other health outcomes. In 2019, Winnebago County Health Department held focus groups with teens in Winnebago County to learn more about family support and developed an action sheet, Teens Need Support: Family Edition on the findings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has named social connectedness as a key factor in protecting the health and wellbeing of youth.


Youth & Social Connectedness

Social support, feelings of belonging or social connectedness are a much needed and important aspect for youth. It promotes positive academic outcomes for students, and contributes to improved mental and social well-being. The opposite is also true; in the absence of strong social support, youth and students falter.

Social connectedness or support includes:

    • Having strong relationship with family and peers
    • Feeling valued
    • Having a feeling that the person can and has contributed in a meaningful way.



Disparities

Some youth feel less connected than others. LGBTQ youth report feeling more isolated, for example. Youth of color also report not feeling supported.



Adults & Social Connectedness

In Winnebago County, 1 in 5 adults do not get enough social support.


(Community Health Survey, Winnebago County, Adults, 2018)