Abstract
Background: Loneliness and social is olation ar e linked to increased morbidity and mortality, with health risks comparable to sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition. Promoting social connection has therefore become a global public health priority. Evidence-based guidelines could help raise awareness of the health impacts of dis-connection, shape individual behaviors, and inform community programs and policies.
Objective: This study aimed to develop recommended public health guidelines for social connection using a Delphi methodology.
Methods: Experts from diverse subfields of Psychology were recruited through networks, nominations, and targeted invitations. In Round 1, open -text response s identified key principles and potential guidelines for individuals and communities. A grounded thematic analysis synthesized these responses into draft guidelines. In subsequent rounds, experts rated their support for each statement. Guidelines with ≥ 8 0 % expert endorsement were refined through focus groups.
Results: The final product included 12 guidelines: six for individuals and six for communities. Community guidelines focus on: (1) raising awareness of connection, (2) supporting social -emotional development, (3) prioritizing social health in policy, (4) designing connection-friendly environments, (5) promoting accessibility and inclusion, and (6) measuring social wellbeing. Individual guidelines emphasize: (1) making connection a lifelong priority, (2) cultivating a positive social outlook, (3) building diverse networks, (4) prioritizing meaningful interactions, (5) developing new relationships, and (6) using technology wisely.
Conclusions: These expert-informed guidelines may serve as a framework for advancing individual and population-level effort s to strengthen social wellbeing
Objective: This study aimed to develop recommended public health guidelines for social connection using a Delphi methodology.
Methods: Experts from diverse subfields of Psychology were recruited through networks, nominations, and targeted invitations. In Round 1, open -text response s identified key principles and potential guidelines for individuals and communities. A grounded thematic analysis synthesized these responses into draft guidelines. In subsequent rounds, experts rated their support for each statement. Guidelines with ≥ 8 0 % expert endorsement were refined through focus groups.
Results: The final product included 12 guidelines: six for individuals and six for communities. Community guidelines focus on: (1) raising awareness of connection, (2) supporting social -emotional development, (3) prioritizing social health in policy, (4) designing connection-friendly environments, (5) promoting accessibility and inclusion, and (6) measuring social wellbeing. Individual guidelines emphasize: (1) making connection a lifelong priority, (2) cultivating a positive social outlook, (3) building diverse networks, (4) prioritizing meaningful interactions, (5) developing new relationships, and (6) using technology wisely.
Conclusions: These expert-informed guidelines may serve as a framework for advancing individual and population-level effort s to strengthen social wellbeing
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 105452 |
| Journal | Health Policy |
| Volume | 162 |
| Early online date | 26 Sept 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2025 |
Keywords
- Social connection
- Public health guidelines
- Delphi study
- Loneliness
- Social isolation
- Mental health
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Policy
