Active Social Life Linked to Better Physical, Psychological Health

Greater engagement in social activities and positive social support were associated with better physical and psychological health among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a recent study.

These data “suggest that social integration and social support should be a crucial part of MS management,” the researchers wrote, adding that the findings may “implore MS practitioners to pay greater attention to individuals’ social engagement and prioritise such in their assessments and treatment plans.”

The study, “Keeping it together: The role of social integration on health and psychological well-being among individuals with multiple sclerosis,” was published in the journal Health & Social Care in the Community.

Certain day-to-day challenges, including mobility issues, disease exacerbations, unemployment, social stigma, or inadequate accommodations can limit social interaction for people with MS, risking isolation and loneliness.

In turn, low social engagement — called social integration — and a diminished social support network affect a person’s physical and mental well-being.

Researchers in the U.S. investigated how MS symptoms influence the social health of adults with MS, and whether social factors  can impact physical and mental health.

Participants completed a survey pertaining to general health, MS symptoms, psychological well-being, lifestyle, personality, social support, and social integration at the study’s start (baseline) and again at follow-up, about 2.5 years later.

Overall, 183 people were recruited and participated in the study at baseline, and 108 returned for follow-up. Of those who returned, most were female (90%), and had a relapsing-remitting form of MS (94%). Their mean age at follow-up was 47, and their mean disease duration was 11 years.

As expected, results showed that MS symptoms — specifically, pain and fatigue — significantly influenced sociability among the participants.

In turn, social well-being influenced other aspects of health. People who were less socially engaged perceived their general, physical, and mental health to be poorer than those with greater social integration and support.

Other factors that positively influenced patients’ perceived health included healthy eating and exercise, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, age, and a lack of Type D personality, a type characterized by worry, irritability, and social inhibition.

Psychological well-being was assessed via six domains: personal relationships, autonomy, personal growth, purpose in life, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance.

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