Social relationships

There are a large number of studies that support the health-enhancing effect of social relationships, primarily in terms of social networks, social support, social participation, trust, social context, integration and social capital.

Several studies have shown that well-integrated individuals with strong ties to their family or the surroundings live longer, are in better health and have a greater capacity to recover from disease than socially isolated individuals. Social participation has also been shown to have an indirect effect on health through its significance to various living habits, which in turn are of significance to health.

The types of social participation vary between various age groups, various levels of education and between various socioeconomic groups. Individuals with a high social status participate in activities and contexts that demand more material resources. They also have greater access to and opportunities to participate in various activities. Low social status can entail feelings of inferiority and insecurity, which interact with other important health variables.

Here, the results are presented for those who have cared for an ill or elderly relative, have experienced a sense of fear, have been subjected to violence or threats of violence, lack support, lack social participation, feel a sense of trust, and have been subjected to humiliating treatment.

The questions about humiliating treatment were formulated in consultation with representatives from various social medicine units, SNIPH and representatives from the various ombudsmen: the Ombudsman against Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation, the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman, the Disability Ombudsman and the Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination.