Definition of social health
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Definition of Social Health
Understanding Social Health: A Multifaceted Construct
Social health is a dynamic and multifaceted construct that encompasses the perceived and actual availability and quality of an individual's social relationships. It is a critical component of overall health, alongside physical and psychological health, forming a tripartite model that best explains the interrelationships between these aspects 2. Social health is not just about the presence of social connections but also their quality and the support they provide.
Social Determinants of Health
The concept of social health is closely linked to the broader framework of social determinants of health (SDH). These determinants include the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they significantly influence health outcomes. Factors such as income, education, and neighborhood characteristics play a crucial role in shaping health by affecting health-related behaviors and access to resources 1.
Social Capital and Health
Social capital, which includes social networks, social participation, trust, and reciprocity, is a significant determinant of social health. Studies have shown that social capital is associated with various positive health outcomes, including reduced mortality, better self-reported health, and lower incidence of diseases 356. However, the relationship between social capital and health is nuanced, with some studies reporting mixed results, indicating that the effects of social capital on health can vary depending on the context and the specific health outcomes measured 3.
The Role of Social Relationships
Social relationships, both in terms of quantity and quality, have profound effects on mental health, health behaviors, physical health, and mortality risk. These relationships can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote healthy behaviors, thereby contributing to better health outcomes 10. The impact of social relationships on health can be observed from childhood and continues throughout life, influencing long-term health trajectories 10.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the recognized importance of social health, there are challenges in advancing research in this area. One major challenge is the need for clear and valid measures of social health components such as trust and reciprocity 7. Additionally, there is a need for more research to understand the specific pathways through which social capital and social relationships influence health, particularly in the context of socioeconomic inequalities 6.
Conclusion
Social health is a critical aspect of overall health, encompassing the quality and availability of social relationships. It is influenced by various social determinants and is closely linked to social capital. Understanding and improving social health requires a comprehensive approach that considers the complex interplay between social relationships, social capital, and broader social determinants. Addressing these factors is essential for promoting health equity and improving population health outcomes.
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The Social Determinants of Health: It's Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes
Socioeconomic factors, such as income, wealth, and education, significantly shape health outcomes, with challenges to advancing this knowledge and addressing them.
Highly CitedSocial capital and physical health: An updated review of the literature for 2007-2018.
Social capital may be a protective factor for some physical health outcomes, but more research is needed to confirm and clarify these findings.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedHealth Promotion by Social Cognitive Means
Social cognitive theory suggests that self-efficacy beliefs, goals, outcome expectations, and perceived environmental impediments and facilitators play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being.
Highly CitedSocial capital and health: a meta-analysis.
Social capital is significantly related to positive health outcomes, but the effect sizes are consistently very small, casting doubt on recent initiatives promoting health through social capital.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedA systematic review of the relationships between social capital and socioeconomic inequalities in health: a contribution to understanding the psychosocial pathway of health inequalities
Social capital has both a buffer effect and a dependency effect on socioeconomic inequalities in health, with potential implications for community action and structural causes of social inequalities.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedSocial Capital and Health
Trust and reciprocity in social capital influence health through reduced stress, but more research is needed to clarify their relationship and valid measures.
Highly CitedThe World Health Organization's definition of health: Social versus spiritual health
The World Health Organization's definition of health may need refinement to include a spiritual dimension, as psychosocial well-being may be a more accurate formulation of mental and social well-being.
Highly CitedWhat do we mean by "social" in mental health research?
"Social" in mental health research can mean various things, highlighting the importance of having a clear definition for research objects.
Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy
Social relationships have both short- and long-term effects on health, with cumulative advantages or disadvantages emerging in childhood and cascading throughout life.
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