Social Inclusion Predicts Lower Blood Glucose and Low-Density Lipoproteins in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Loneliness has been shown to have direct effects on one's personal well-being. Specifically, a greater feeling of loneliness is associated with negative mental health outcomes, negative health behaviors, and an increased likelihood of premature mortality. Using the neuroendocrine hypothesis, we expected social inclusion to predict decreases in both blood glucose levels and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and increases in high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Fifty-two healthy adults provided self-report data for social inclusion and blood samples for hematological tests. Results indicated that higher social inclusion predicted lower levels of blood glucose and LDL, but had no effect on HDL. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

A systematic review of the relationships among psychosocial factors and coping in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…A very recent report on older adults indicates that the inclusion of planning to enhance social support is essential to diminishing depressive symptoms in older adults with type 2 diabetes [38]. Higher levels of social inclusion have been reported as predictive of lower levels of blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein [39], and it has been reported that low social support is linked to shorter leukocyte telomere length which is a predictor for higher rates of cellular aging [40]. In addition, since it is now known that the trajectory of social support is predictive of functional disability in adults with type 2 diabetes [41], the logical conclusion can be drawn that social support is integral to coping and should be included in future studies designed to build knowledge on coping in adults with type 2 diabetes.…”

Social inclusion and its interrelationships with social cognition and social functioning in first‐episode psychosis

“…Social inclusion is an emerging construct that researchers are seeking to better understand given evidence for its relationship to health/well‐being (Floyd et al, ). Social inclusion has been defined as the experience of acceptance/belonging through opportunities to participate in valued social activities (Social Inclusion Unit, ).…”

What is social inclusion? A thematic analysis of professional opinion.

“…Social inclusion has important and beneficial implications for health, well-being, and quality of life (Floyd et al, 2017; Levitas et al, 2007). Socially excluded individuals place a significant burden on society, with socioeconomic consequences for government, community, and familial supports.…”