Nov 26 Flashcards
(108 cards)
1
Q
setup: meta-analysis of 148 studies assessing mortality as a function of social…
A
relationships
ie. having social support, marital status, integration of social networks
Ps from NA, Eu, Asia & Aus
Ps followed on average for 7.5 years
2
Q
results: meta-analysis of 148 studies assessing mortality as a function of social…
A
average effect size OR odds ration = 1.50
50% increased likelihood of survival as a function of stronger social relationships
3
Q
social relationships had HIGHER effect size on mortality than…
A
physical activity (controlling for adiposity)
drug treatment for hypertension
4
Q
social relationships had EQUAL effect size to…
A
smoking cessation
5
Q
results of social relationships x mortality meta-analysis HELD…
A
across age, sex, initial health status, follow-up period, and cause of death
6
Q
many early epidemiological studies focused on what types of measures?
A
objective measures of social isolation
frequently operationalized being unmarried, living alone, infrequent contact with family & friends, not participating in organizations/clubs/religious groups
BUT being alone =/= feeling alone
7
Q
loneliness
A
SUBJECTIVE feeling of social isolation
discrepancy between DESIRED and ACTUAL levels of social contact
8
Q
social loneliness
A
dissatisfaction with SIZE of social network
9
Q
emotional loneliness
A
lacking SUPPORT & AFFECTION
10
Q
what type of loneliness is associated with poorer psychological health?
A
emotional loneliness
(rather than social loneliness)
associated with MDD, GAD
11
Q
what suggests that the two constructs of loneliness are dissociable?
A
(social and emotional loneliness)
results that emotional loneliness alone is linked to MDD and GAD
12
Q
loneliness is linked to what?
A
- increased ALL CAUSE MORTALITY risk
- negative PHYSICAL HEALTH outcomes
a) coronary heart disease & stroke
b) cognitive decline & dementia
c) decreased immunity
13
Q
loneliness & cold symptoms study setup
A
experimental study
- healthy Ps completed measures of:
a) loneliness
b) objective social isolation (social network size)
- administered nasal drops containing a common cold virus, and quarantined for 5 days
14
Q
loneliness & cold symptoms results
A
loneliness (but not objective social isolation) predicted greater cold symptoms
15
Q
marital quality & health outcomes
A
low marital quality is linked to heightened mortality risk & negative health outcomes
- worse SELF RATED health
- CARDIOVASCULAR disease and METABOLIC SYNDROME
^ cluster of CVD risk factors - high BP, insulin resistance
- PEPTIC ULCERS
- SLOWER RECOVERY post-surgery
16
Q
social control hypothesis
A
interactions with family and friends motivate healthier behaviours
ie. being married associated with engaging in health-promoting behaviours like exercise whereas loneliness predicts physical inactivity
BUT associations between relationships and health persist even when controlling for (un)healthy behaviours
17
Q
when dealing with social stressors/lacking social support, may rely on…
A
unhealthy coping strategies
ie. drinking, drug use
18
Q
association between relationships & health persists even…
A
when controlling for (un)healthy behaviours
19
Q
2 models of social support
A
- stress buffering model
- main effects model
20
Q
stress buffering model
A
close relationships PROTECT health by buffering (mitigating) the effects of external stressors
ie. perceived support & hugs received over 2 weeks before virus exposure buffers against rise in infection risk associated with interpersonal conflict
21
Q
main effects model
A
close relationships exert DIRECT effect on health outcomes regardless of levels of external stress
22
Q
are both models of social support likely to play a role in associated between relationships and health?
A
yes
23
Q
physiological mechanisms behind link between social support and health
A
presence or absence of positive social connection may DIRECTLY tap into the PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS that shape health and disease
- ANS
- HPA axis
- immune system
^ these systems help maintain body’s HOMEOSTATIC BALANCE in the face of internal/external challenges (stressors)
24
Q
what do the ANS, HPA axis and immune system do, on a broad level?
A
help maintain body’s HOMEOSTATIC BALANCE
in face of internal/external challenges (stressors)
25
stressor
anything that knocks (or threatens to knock) homeostasis out of balance
26
ANS
division of the NS that carries INVOLUNTARY COMMANDS to your:
a) organs
b) blood vessels
c) glands
27
2 branches of the ANS
1. sympathetic NS
^ energy mobilization, "fight or flight"
2. parasympathetic NS
^ energy conservation, "rest and digest"
28
HPA axis
cascade of events that culminates in release of hormone CORTISOL from adrenal glands
^ mobilizes GLUCOSE reserves for energy
^ increases CONVERSION of proteins/fats
^ increases BLOOD PRESSURE ensuring adequate blood flow
29
immune system
DETECTS and ELIMINATES harmful invaders like bacterial/viral pathogens
also detects/responds to TISSUE DAMAGE
highly complex, several components
30
2 important components of the immune system
1. INFLAMMATORY: rapid, NONSPECIFIC immune defence against infection and tissue damage
2. ANTIVIRAL: more specific response tailored to viruses
31
inflammatory response
orchestrated by chemical messengers called PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES
trigger set of PHYSIOLOGICAL and BEHAVIOURAL changes
32
physiological changes set off by inflammatory response
increasing blood flow to infected tissues
increasing blood vessel permeability
33
behavioural changes set off by inflammatory response
behavioural changes that promote survival and recovery
^ SICKNESS BEHAVIOURS
sleepiness, lethargy, withdrawal, reduction in various kinds of activity (exploration, social, sexual)
sickness behaviours help by CONSERVING ENERGY
may also reduce risk of PREDATION/ATTACK while vulnerable
34
why might social factors like loneliness or connection influence systems designed to deal with physical threats? (immune system)
responses to challenges are PROACTIVE, not simply reactive - they ANTICIPATE/PREPARE for potential threats
^ earlier response facilitates adaptive coping
IMMUNE SYSTEM TALKS TO THE BRAIN TO GATHER INFO ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS & EXPECTED THREATS
35
social disconnect poses risk to...
survival
increased risk of predation, wounding, infection
^ so if social connection is ended, bodies may mount pre-empted stress response
may response by up-regulating pro-inflammatory activity
36
social disconnection = up-regulation of what and down-regulation of what?
up-regulation of pro-inflammatory activity
down-regulation of anti-rival response
37
among older adults, both objective social isolation and feelings of loneliness predict...
1. higher levels of pro-inflammatory activity
2. decreased anti-viral response
38
examples of social stressors being linked to greater inflammation
1. CHILDREN (<8 years old) exposed to social stressors (parental separation, abuse) show elevated markers of inflammation 2 and 7 years later
2. ADOLESCENTS who report having more negative social interactions with friends and family (ie. rejection) showed higher levels of inflammatory activity
3. COLLEGE students who reported experiencing more negative/competitive social interactions on daily basis showed higher levels of inflammation
4. OLDER adults who recently lost a spouse had 1.5 x levels of inflammatory activity than controls
39
other markers of physiological stress that feelings of loneliness are related to
elevated cortisol
increased BP
40
lab social stressor test
Trier Social Stress Test (TSST)
41
Trier Social Stress Test (TSST)
combines elements of UNCONTROLLABILITY and SOCIAL EVALUATION
situation where you can be negatively judged by others
42
Ps who completed TSST in front of an evaluative panel...
(versus a control non-social evaluative condition)
1. showed LARGER INCREASES pre- and post-test in...
a) cortisol
b) pro-inflammatory activity
2. showed DECREASED SENSITIVITY to...
a) suppressive effects of glucocorticoids
43
what happened to sensitivity to _________ in TSST evaluative panel condition?
sensitivity to glucocorticoids decreased
44
Ps who show more social pain-related neural activity to social exclusion...
ie. Cyberball
showed larger increases in inflammation following TSST
45
after conflict discussions in couples, what happens to inflammation?
increase in systemic inflammation in HIGH HOSTILITY COUPLES
but no increase in low hostility couples
46
current experiences and history of social support affect...
MAGNITUDE of physiological responses to stressors
ie preparing with romantic partner or receiving written supportive messages from partners buffered cortisol response to the TSST
47
what types of individuals show stronger cortisol responses during lab stressor?
avoidantly attached and anxiously attached ones
48
social factors may also impact the way we _____ about potential stressors...
THINK
which in turn influences the stress response
COGNITION plays role in triggering, amplifying, and reducing stress response
49
cognition's role: we're most reactive to stressors when...
we perceive them as:
a. UNCONTROLLABLE
b. exceeding our COPING CAPABILITIES
50
how do securely attached individuals learn that stressors are manageable?
through history of positive interactions with caregivers
learn they're CAPABLE and that others can be RELIED ON
51
current and former social interactions influence ________ _______ _________
social threat detection
52
loneliness is associated with _________ threat vigilance
heightened
ie. modified emotional Stroop task - lonely participants showed greater Stroop INTERFERENCE specifically for NEGATIVE SOCIAL relative to negative nonsocial words
53
anxiously attached individuals exhibit readiness to perceive...
THREAT & have high ACCESS to threat-related cognitions
EVEN IN POSITIVE CONTEXTS
ie. exhibit higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of heart rate variability when asked to imagine being cared for by another person
54
anxiously attached individuals exhibit what when being asked to imagine being cared for by another person?
higher CORTISOL
low HEART RATE VARIABILITY
55
experimental inflammatory challenge: administration of bacterial toxin...
administration of bacterial toxin (endotoxin) that triggers an immune response
1. increases in:
a) DEPRESSED MOOD
b) feelings of SOCIAL DISCONNECTION
c) SENSITIVITY
d) LONELINESS
2. greater NEURAL REACTIVITY in PAIN/THREAT related areas in response to social evaluation & threatening social faces
3. but ALSO increased neural reactivity in REWARD-related brain regions in response to SOCIAL REWARDS but NOT NON SOCIAL rewards
4. also greater DESIRE to be close to others
56
larger increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines = what in terms of neural reactivity?
greater neural reactivity
ie. endotoxin administration leads to greater neural reactivity in both PAIN/THREAT related areas and in REWARD related areas
in PAIN/THREAT areas
and in REWARD areas in response to SOCIAL REWARDS but not non-social rewards
57
endotoxin administration results in greater activity in reward related brain areas under what circumstancese?
in response to social rewards
^ ie. pics of loved ones, positive social feedback
but NOT non-social rewards
^ ie. money
(because it's adaptive to be oriented to close others when vulnerable/sick)
58
tying it all together
relationships matter for our health
QUALITY may be more important than quantity
likely due to combo of intertwined behavioural, cognitive, physiological factors
general theme: feelings of loneliness/social connection put us in "self-preservation mode"
59
feelings of loneliness/social disconnection put us in "self-preservation" mode
1. heightened ANS activity
2. altered immune gene expression & increased inflammation
3. hyper-vigilance for social threat
4. poorer sleep (because higher vigilance)
5. depressive symptoms, reduced social exploration
60
global trends in singlehood
single-hood rates = on the rise globally
as more people are DELAYING entering romantic relationships to focus on other life goals
divorce is increasingly common
61
why is it becoming more common to enter committed relationships at later ages?
1. younger generations' VIEWS ON MARRIAGE and settling down are shifting
2. HIGHER EDUCATION and CAREER goals before starting family
62
alternatives to traditional parenting
(contributing factor to decreasing marriage rates)
solo parenting
freezing eggs
63
single-hood in Canada
1. delaying entering committed relationships
2. rates of living alone, while still low, have doubled in 40 years
64
single-hood in Canada: delaying entering committed relationships
1981:
^ 30% of people aged 25-29 were single
2021:
^ 60% of people aged 25-29 were single
65
single-hood in Canada: rates of living alone, while will low, have ______ in 40 years
doubled
1981:
^ 5% of people aged 35-44 reported living alone
2021:
^ 10% of people aged 35-44 reported living alone
66
decades of research suggests that individuals in romantic relationships are...
HAPPIER than single individuals
several meta-analyses and longitudinal studies have found that COUPLED PEOPLE report greater WELLBEING and LIFE SATISFACTION compared to single people
67
majority of relationship science centers around...
romantic relationships
broad understanding of dynamics within romantic relationships, LIMITED UNDERSTANDING of SINGLEHOOD
68
relationships on a pedestal
belief that people need a romantic relationship to be TRULY HAPPY
stems from SOCIETAL ENDORSEMENTS of romantic relationships
69
holding "relationships on a pedestal" beliefs are bad for both...
single and coupled individuals
70
issue with romantic relationship vs singlehood comparisons
so much VARIABILITY isn't being accounted for
1. does marriage LEAD to happiness, or do happy people get married?
2. are ALL coupled people happier than ALL single people?
3. WHEN are these studies being administered - during honeymoon phase?
4. what about married couples who DON'T STAY TGT?
71
divorce is a major predictor of ______ _______...
poor wellbeing
with some studies suggesting the consequences COMPLETELY OUTWEIGH the benefits of marriage
72
divorce rate in Canada
~40%
73
what's the number 1 predictor of divorce?
getting married
74
legal advantages of marriage
ECONOMIC
1. income tax breaks
2. automatic spousal inheritance (even without will)
3. social security benefits
HEALTH
1. shared access to health insurance
2. hospital visitation (think COVID)
3. right to make medical decisions on spouse's behalf
75
singlism
the STEREOTYPING and STIGMATIZING of people who are single, and DISCRIMINATION against them
coined by social psychologist Dr Bella DePaulo
76
singlism manifests through...
1. STRUCTURAL INEQUALITIES
2. NEGATIVE STEREOTYPING
^ lonely, cold, non-commital
^ HOUSING: perceived as less trustworthy tenant
^ PROMISCUITY: perceived as more likely to carry STI
3. EXPERIENCING PITY
^ ie. "you'll find someone soon"
77
singlism can manifest through structural/societal discrimination, but these are also common within...
close social networks
78
examples of singlism within close social networks
1. EXCLUSION from social events (double dates, couples' nights)
2. PRESSURE to partner/settle down
3. INTERROGATION about dating life
79
single people who have more coupled friends/family in their close network report...
lower wellbeing related to their singlehood
80
contributing factors to fears of single-hood
singlism
pressure to couple
structural disadvantages
"marriage will make you happier"
81
fear of being single
"the concern, anxiety or distress regarding the current or prospective experience of being without a romantic partner"
for these people, LOW QUALITY relationship > no relationship at all
specific to romantic relationships
82
fear of being single predicts maladaptive behaviours in romantic contexts above...
and beyond attachment anxiety
83
fear of being single = strong belief that...
a committed romantic relationship is the MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP in adulthood
84
list of reasons why people fear being single
intimacy needs
societal pressure
future alone
relationships on a pedestal
attachment anxiety
singlism
loneliness
growing old alone
children and family
85
fear of being single predicts...
1. SETTLING for less in EXISTING romantic relationships
2. being LESS SELECTIVE when CHOOSING new partner
3. LONGING for an ex-partner
4. increased likelihood of INFIDELITY (if think relationship may end, proactive effort to secure new partner)
5. lower general WELLBEING and neg MH outcomes when un-partnered
86
is an unsatisfying relationship worth it?
(people high in fear of being single would rather be in an unfulfilling relationship than be single)
ironically, low quality relationships are LESS LIKELY to meet people's core psych NEEDS
UNDERMINES benefit of social connections
87
factors that contribute to wellbeing in singlehood
INTRAPERSONAL FACTORS
a) age
b) attachment style
c) desire for partner
d) voluntary single-hood
e) gender
INTERPERSONAL FACTORS
a) social support and friendship quality
b) sexual satisfaction
88
age: factor contributing to wellbeing in singlehood
satisfaction with singlehood varies across age groups for various reasons:
1. shifting REASONS for wanting relationship
(ie. YA = common developmental goal, adult = family, companionship)
2. FERTILITY concerns (esp for women)
3. AVAILABILITY of potential partners
4. life PRIORITIES
89
desire for partner across age
generally is RELATIVELY HIGH in young adulthood
seems to PEAK around 30-34
after MIDLIFE, desire for relationship DECREASES and satisfaction with singlehood increases
90
attachment avoidance and singlehood
likely to experience POOR LIFE OUTCOMES related to singlehood
as they DOWNPLAY need for intimacy
1. more likely to engage in SOLITARY activities (= less social connections)
2. SOLITARY COPING strategies and lack of social support
91
attachment avoidance is especially problematic for...
older individuals
1. higher need for social support
2. post-retirement
92
attachment anxiety and singlehood
likely to experience HIGHER FEARS of being single
and to report GREATER DISSATISFACTION with being single
self-fulfilling loop: intense desire for intimacy + maladaptive relational behaviours
93
potential buffer - attachment anxiety and singlehood
due to strong desires for intimacy, these people are more likely to have BROAD SOCIAL TIES outside of the romantic domain
94
attachment security and singlehoood
likely to report POSITIVE LIFE OUTCOMES
1. often single due to PERSONAL CHOICE
(not denying themselves intimacy like avoidantly attached people are)
2. often have BROAD SOCIAL TIEES
^ attachment needs met through close fam/friends
^ stronger non-romantic relationships compared to coupled individuals
95
satisfaction with singlehood vs life satisfaction
1. people high in attachment ANXIETY tend to report:
a) LOWER life satisfaction
b) LOWER satisfaction with singlehood
^ greater desire for partner
2. SECURE and AVOIDANT individuals report:
a) SIMILAR satisfaction with singlehood
b) but AVOIDANTS report LOWER OVERALL life satisfaction
96
single people with higher desire for partner tend to experience...
lower life satisfaction and lower satisfaction with singlehood
1. interestingly, AGE moderates this
^ OLDER individuals with higher desire for relationship report lower life satisfaction than younger individuals with similar relationship desires
97
what age group of people high in relationship desire report lower life satisfaction with singlehood?
older individuals
98
voluntarily single
single by choice = greater satisfaction with singlehood
1. associated with feelings of FREEDOM and AUTONOMY related to singlehood
2. LESS DESIRE for a partner
3. typically focused on OTHER life PRIORITIES
99
involuntarily single
single because one CAN'T ATTAIN a desired relationship
1. relationship status is due to EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES/out of their control
(ie. haven't met right person yet)
2. difficulties establishing relationships/feeling that one is AT FAULT
(ie. feeling SHY, UGLY, AWKWARD etc)
100
does desire for partner = involuntarily single?
no
VOLUNTARILY SINGLE people MAY STILL DESIRE a romantic relationship
but they're more...
1. SELECTIVE about relationship goals
2. voluntarily TURN DOWN unfulfilling prospective partners
3. choose single status but DON'T REFRAIN from dating activities
^ casual dating, hookups, situationships
4. relationship CLARITY, benefits of knowing what you want
101
gender and singlehood
despite common stereotypes that women are more likely to pine over relationships...
recent research suggests that WOMAN ARE HAPPIER with SINGLEHOOD than men
102
N = 6000 study found that single women reported higher than single men on...
1. satisfaction with relationship status
2. life satisfaction
3. sexual satisfaction
4. less desire for a partner
103
why are women happier with singlehood?
1. women tend to have stronger NON-ROMANTIC SUPPORT
2. heteronormative INEQUITIEES within heterosexual relationships
104
singlehood: social support and quality of friendships
social support is CRITICAL FOR WELLBEING in singlehood
1. single individuals with HIGH QUALITY FRIENDSHIPS and FAMILY report lower loneliness and higher life satisfaction
2. single individuals are typically MORE INVESTED in their friendships compared to coupled individuals
a) investment predicts HIGHER QUALITY friendships
b) ESP important for YA, when high quality friendships > self-esteem
105
sexual satisfaction and singlehood
singles who are more sexually satisfied (and who desire partnered sexual activity) report greater wellbeing in singlehood
for those high in desire for partnered sex, FREQUENCY is what matters
HIGH frequency of partnered sex = higher wellbeing
LOW frequency of partnered sex = lower wellbeing
106
contrary to stereotypes of single individuals being more promiscuous and sexually active...
coupled individuals tend to report having sex MORE FREQUENTLY
and report more SEXUAL SATISFACTION
107
how do singles meet their sexual needs?
1. solitary sex
2. casual sexual encounters
3. non-committal relationships (ie. situationships)
but more research is needed
108
singlehood takeaways
1. comparing singles vs coupled people feeds into DEFICIT NARRATIVE of singles
2. importance of studying WITHIN-GROUP VARIABILITY
3. relationship status is FLUID (not defining of a person)
4. single studies - relatively NEW FIELD with lots of exciting new directions
