Lonely and Depressed Students: Missing Out on Vital Emotional Benefits, Study Finds

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Humans are recognized as inherently social beings, and socialization is regarded as a crucial component of their emotional health. For adolescents, especially students, maintaining social networks is often perceived as a means to enhance mood and alleviate feelings of isolation. Nevertheless, a study published in Psychophysiology presents a more sobering perspective. It indicates that students experiencing depression and loneliness may not experience the same emotional advantages from social engagements as their less lonely counterparts.

Lack of social benefit

The research, led by Elizabeth Jelsma and her team, sought to investigate the influence of depression and loneliness on emotional and physiological reactions during social interactions. The study involved 118 college students, monitoring their emotional health in relation to their daily social activities. The findings challenge the widely held belief that social interaction inherently promotes well-being and dispels loneliness. In fact, the results indicated that lonely students did not gain any emotional advantages from either one-on-one or group interactions.

Emotional benefits of social dynamic

There's no change in mood even in presence of company.

There is no improvement in mood, even in the company of others. The nature of social interactions significantly influences emotional states. The researchers highlighted the emotional benefits experienced by students who were less lonely and depressed; they reported feeling calmer and more relaxed in romantic relationships or while spending time with close friends. In group settings, these individuals often resonate with the collective spirit, feeling more energized and enthusiastic. Such benefits play a vital role in enhancing overall emotional health.

While both emotional responses are favorable, they do not apply to students grappling with high levels of loneliness and depression, as their emotional reactions to social interactions remain subdued. These individuals struggle to engage and connect meaningfully with their peers, illustrating how those facing loneliness and depression miss out on the emotional rewards that social interactions can offer.

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