Variety Is the Spice of Life: Diverse Social Networks Are Associated With Social Cohesion and Well-Being.
Psychol Sci
; 35(6): 665-680, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38662413
ABSTRACT
Both homophily and heterophily are observed in humans. Homophily reinforces homogeneous social networks, and heterophily creates new experiences and collaborations. However, at the extremes, high levels of homophily can cultivate prejudice toward out-groups, whereas high levels of heterophily can weaken in-group support. Using data from 24,726 adults (M = 46 years; selected from 10,398 English neighborhoods) and the composition of their social networks based on age, ethnicity, income, and education, we tested the hypothesis that a middle ground between homophily and heterophily could be the most beneficial for individuals. We found that network homophily, mediated by perceived social cohesion, is associated with higher levels of subjective well-being but that there are diminishing returns, because at a certain point increasing network homophily is associated with lower social cohesion and, in turn, lower subjective well-being. Our results suggest that building diverse social networks provides benefits that cannot be attained by homogeneous networks.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Apoio Social
Limite:
Adult
/
Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Psychol Sci
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Psychol. sci
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Psychological science
Assunto da revista:
PSICOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article