Social Relationships and Health

Sociologists have rigorously studied the impact of social relations on health. Studies have shown that social relations, both positive and negative, impact on one's health in a positive and negative way. Social isolation and negative relationships have proven to affect one's health in a negative way to an extent that these relations can increase the risk of mortality and can also result in an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction. Studies have shown that the risk of mortality increased in the individuals with fewer or no social ties compared to the people having more social ties. Similarly, studies have shown that the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the population with fewer social ties was higher than the population with strong social ties. On the other hand, it is also proven that the people who have higher social ties and positive relationships live longer and healthier life. Presence and type of social relations impact the mental health if an individual which can further affect one's physical health. These factors can have an impact on health right from childhood. Emotionally supportive environment provided to a child can have positive impact on the development of regulatory systems like immune system, endocrine system, metabolic, autonomic nervous system and thus having life time consequences on health. Having positive social ties and emotionally nurturing relations have proven to reduce stress and hence benefit mental as well as physical health. People having higher number if social ties have higher number of confidants and hence have more emotionally satisfying relations which can have positive impact on mental and physical health. Social ties and relationships can be extremely stressful at the same time and can have immensely negative influence in one's mental and physical health. Research has shown that poor marital quality has an influence on the immune system. Endocrine system and has even resulted into depression.