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Chapter 47 - Family Relations, Friendships, and Love

from Part V - Wellness through Optimization of Work, Love, and Play

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2020

Waguih William IsHak
Affiliation:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
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Summary

Humans are intrinsically social beings. Over time we are shaped by our lived experiences, particularly through our connections and interactions with others. By examining the profound nature of these social relationships, we can begin to understand how the mind emerges across the lifespan and regulates such experiences. In this chapter, we will explore relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners to develop an understanding of our innate social nature and the direct link this has to well-being and health.

Science has made evident the positive effects of relationships on well-being, including longevity, happiness, and mental health. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” [1]. Therefore, the absence of disease alone does not signify well-being. Rather, well-being is a quality of life in which there is the presence of positive affective processes, a sense of satisfaction, purpose, and fulfillment in life, and the absence of enduring negative emotions [2, 3].

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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