What is the definition of social connectedness and how to evaluate the relationship between well-being and social connectedness?

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Social connectedness is defined as the experience of feeling close and connected to others, encompassing feelings of belonging, care, and support within a community or social network. It is crucial for mental and physical well-being, as a lack of social connection can lead to negative health outcomes.

To evaluate the relationship between well-being and social connectedness, researchers can use various methods, including:

Surveys: Utilizing scales like the Social Connectedness Scale to measure feelings of connection and belonging.

Social network analysis: Mapping social connections to assess both subjective feelings and objective social support.

Health outcome metrics: Analyzing correlations between levels of social connectedness and indicators of well-being, such as mental health status and physical health outcomes