How Friendship Influences Health

Abstract

Friendship is the single best predictor of both psychological and physical health and wellbeing. The evidence suggests that five close friends and/or family is optimal, but it is important to remember that these five are also part of a wider network of friendships and extended family that are also important to our wider social life. I review our current understanding of personal social networks and the mechanisms used to bond these. Friendships are underpinned by a dual process mechanism that involves the brain’s endorphin system activated by activities we do with our friends and a set of cultural and psychological traits that attract us to certain individuals. The endorphin system activated by friendships have direct effects both as anti- depressants and through their capacity to influence the body’s immune system.