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2025Scientific Reportsn=202,898
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Social Connection20255 min read
Who Has Your Back Around the World?
Demographic Variation in Social Support and Intimate Friend Across 22 Countries: A Cross-National Analysis
- By
- Ritchie-Dunham, James L. et al.
- Participants
- 202,898
- Countries
- 22
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Key Takeaways
01
While most people worldwide report having strong social connections, there are significant variations across countries in the levels of social support and the prevalence of having an intimate friend.
02
Across 22 countries, factors like employment status, education level, and religious service attendance are strongly associated with the strength of a person's social connections.
03
Social support levels often follow a U-shaped pattern with age, dipping during mid-life before rising again in older adulthood, though this pattern varies by country.
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Why It Matters
“Tackling loneliness requires more than simple advice; it demands targeting the structural forces that cause isolation.”
This research is a crucial tool for tackling the global 'epidemic of loneliness.' By moving beyond averages and looking at specific groups, we can see who is most at risk of isolation. The findings show that simply telling people to 'make friends' isn't enough. The problem is often structural. For example, if unemployed people consistently report lower social support, it points to a need for policies that do more than just provide financial aid; they should also foster community and connection. If people with less education are more isolated, it highlights the role schools and community centers can play in building social networks. This data allows governments, healthcare providers, and community leaders to design smarter, more targeted interventions. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they can focus resources on the specific people and places that need the most help rebuilding their social fabric, making our communities stronger and healthier for everyone.
