Social Connections & Well-Being: With Whom Do You Identify and Why Does It Matter?
Major
Psychology
Department
Psychology
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Jonathan S. Gore
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Willand, Jenna M., "Social Connections & Well-Being: With Whom Do You Identify and Why Does It Matter?" (2015). University Presentation Showcase Event. 35.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2015/undergraduate/35
Abstract
Feeling connected to others is a basic human need, but there are types of social connections that have yet to be examined in relation to one’s own well-being. We hypothesized that an identifying with people in one’s community, country, and world will all predict unique variance across multiple forms of well-being. Participants from Eastern Kentucky University (n = 507) completed surveys that assessed the participant’s varying identifications, along with their life satisfaction, self-esteem, hope, and purpose in life. Results revealed that the hypothesis was partially supported. Identifying with people in one’s community and country predicted well-being, but identifying with all humanity did not uniquely predict well-being. Outreach programs can use this information to better understand their jobs and their staff.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
77
Social Connections & Well-Being: With Whom Do You Identify and Why Does It Matter?
Feeling connected to others is a basic human need, but there are types of social connections that have yet to be examined in relation to one’s own well-being. We hypothesized that an identifying with people in one’s community, country, and world will all predict unique variance across multiple forms of well-being. Participants from Eastern Kentucky University (n = 507) completed surveys that assessed the participant’s varying identifications, along with their life satisfaction, self-esteem, hope, and purpose in life. Results revealed that the hypothesis was partially supported. Identifying with people in one’s community and country predicted well-being, but identifying with all humanity did not uniquely predict well-being. Outreach programs can use this information to better understand their jobs and their staff.
