Social connectedness refers to the relationships people have
with others. Social connectedness is integral to wellbeing.
People are defined by their social roles, whether as partners,
parents, children, friends, caregivers, team-mates, staff or
employers, or myriad other roles. Relationships give people
support, happiness, contentment and a sense they belong and have
a role to play in society. 87 They mean people can call on help
during hard times. Social connectedness also refers to people
joining to achieve shared goals which benefit each other and
society as a whole - ranging from working together as part of
business and paid employment to contributing to their
communities through voluntary groups. One of the most important
aspects of social connectedness is the relationship people have
with a spouse or partner. Studies have consistently found that
having a partner contributes to a person's reported level of
wellbeing.88 Several studies have demonstrated links between
social connectedness and the performan