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Social Relationships and Public Health: A Social Neuroscience Perspective Focusing on the Opioid System

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Social Neuroscience and Public Health

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Abstract

Social relationships are one of the most important influences upon both our physical and mental health. Yet, the mechanisms by which social interactions impact health have been difficult to identify through strictly psychological approaches. Integrating psychological and neuroscience approaches is likely to provide new insights into these mechanisms. The working hypothesis presented in this chapter is that spending time with close to others leads to a shift in the neurochemical milieu, particularly the endogenous opioids, that fosters a physiological state promoting relaxation, growth, and healing. More specifically, these socially triggered alterations in neurotransmission acting on the μ-opioid receptor are hypothesized to lead to decreases in sympathetic nervous system activity, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis output, and chronic inflammation, which ultimately lead to a better physical health profile. It is hoped that melding biological and psychological approaches can improve understanding of social effects and thereby lead to interventions and social environments that improve public health.

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  1. Department of Psychology and Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, 100G Lazenby Hall, Columbus, OH, 43214, USA

    Baldwin M. Way

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  1. Baldwin M. Way
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  1. , Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, University Avenue West 200, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada

    Peter A. Hall

Highlights

Highlights

  • Social interactions are the most potent behavioral influence on health

  • In spite of extensive research, the psychological mediators of these effects are unclear.

  • The quality of one's social connections impacts concentrations of the endogenous opioids, which are neurotransmitters that affect the functioning of peripheral physiological systems that influence health such as the sympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis, and the immune system.

  • Understanding the interaction between opioid neurochemistry and psychological state is likely to be critical for a mechanistic understanding of social influences on health.

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Way, B.M. (2013). Social Relationships and Public Health: A Social Neuroscience Perspective Focusing on the Opioid System. In: Hall, P. (eds) Social Neuroscience and Public Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_10

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