HOPE Building Block 1: Relationships
Launching our HOPE Building Blocks series, we delve into the transformative influence of Relationships. Let’s explore why these connections hold such significance. In 1938, researchers began a longitudinal study of male Harvard students to track their longterm health outcomes. Over the years, the research unveiled a crucial insight: loneliness can have detrimental effects, while close relationships exhibit a positive correlation with
overall health and well-being (Mineo, 2017). Essentially, fostering positive relationships contributes to longevity. Relationships, whether with partners, children, friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or bosses, undergo continual evolution (Dollard, 2018). Sustaining healthy and robust
relationships requires a commitment to intentional communication, particularly when facing conflicts. Beyond personal connections, the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers plays a pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes.
At the core of this dynamic is trust, which flourishes through open and honest communication. Healthcare providers must actively create spaces where patients feel safe and empowered to openly discuss their mental and medical needs (Pellegrini, 2017). Why does this matter to a school like San Diego State University (SDSU)? As we distance ourselves from the COVID-19 lockdowns, the lasting impact on the lives of students and young adults becomes increasingly evident. In 2023, the American Psychological Association released findings from their annual Stress in America survey, revealing a concerning trend- heightened stress levels have led to an upswing in mental health diagnoses and chronic illnesses across diverse demographics (APA, 2023).
Within the 18-34 age group, identified as younger adults, a staggering 34% reported the highest post-pandemic stress levels. This cohort pinpointed financial concerns (82%), health (82%), the economy (72%), and housing costs (70%) as their predominant stressors (APA, 2023). The repercussions of this stress were profound: 71% of younger adults expressed reluctance to burden others with their problems, 67% struggled with focus, 58% felt overwhelmed by emotions, 55% found it challenging to undertake tasks, and 50% reported feeling emotionally numb (APA, 2023).
These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the collective loneliness experienced by younger adults amid today’s challenges and hardships. While relationships may not resolve economic or housing market issues, they play a pivotal role in mitigating feelings of loneliness and can provide crucial support during times of stress and overwhelm.
- SDSU has many Student Organizations and groups that are free join, which are great
spaces to build relationships and connections. - Students also have access to on campus wellness services such as counseling,
groups & workshops, and the Center for Well-Being. - We know that not every student is utilizing these resources, nor are they part of a student
organization, which means SDSU has the opportunity to create additional spaces that can
be used to cultivate strong relationships.
REFERENCES
APA. (2023). Stress in America 2023: A nation recovering from collective trauma. American
Psychological Association.
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery
Dollard, C. (2018). Relationships 101: What they don’t teach you in school. The Gottman
Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/relationships-101/
Mineo, L. (2017). Good genes are nice, but joy is better. The Harvard Gazette Retrieved
from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvardstudy-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/
Pellegrini, C. (2017). Trust: The keystone of the physician-patient relationship. American
College of Surgeons. https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/newspublications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2017/01/trust-the-keystone-of-the-physicianpatient-relationship/
Click HERE to read the first of our HOPE Building Block series; This month’s focus is relationships and the importance of taking inventory of our relationships to help increase our longevity and reduce stress levels.
