One of the keys in psychology to leading a life of sustained well-being is cultivating the quality of relationships built with others.
Ed Diener, psychologist and expert on happiness: “All happy people have strong social relationships”
From psychology, happiness is not understood merely as a fleeting emotion, but as a deep, sustained state of well-being that is built over time. Numerous studies agree that one of the most decisive factors in achieving and maintaining it is the quality of our social relationships. Far from being an optional extra in life, human bonds constitute a basic psychological need.
This has been confirmed by Edward F. Diener (1946–2021), a leading psychologist in the study of happiness: “Happiness is essentially the same across cultures and for all individuals. It occurs when people believe their lives are going well and they feel good at different moments; their experiences tend to be mostly positive. And all people in all cultures want their lives to be satisfying and worthwhile,” he said.
“However, what causes happiness varies from person to person and from one culture to another to some extent. While most people desire strong, supportive social relationships, the form these take varies. All happy people have strong social relationships. It is not just about receiving support from others. The happiest people are often those who do the most to help others and their societies. Making others happy seems to be a good way to move toward personal happiness,” he added.
The human being as a social creature
Evolutionary and social psychology have shown that human beings are biologically programmed to connect with others. From birth, we depend on care and interaction to survive and develop. This need for belonging does not disappear in adulthood; on the contrary, it continues to exert a decisive influence on our mental and emotional health.
When we feel that we are part of a group – that we are valued and listened to – our brains release neurotransmitters such as oxytocin and dopamine, which are associated with pleasure, trust, and emotional security. These biological responses reinforce well-being and act as a buffer against stress.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.