The extended family, as an important social institution, plays a key role in combating loneliness and enhancing individuals' quality of life. This type of family allows individuals to live together and benefit from each other's emotional and social support.
The Role of Family in Social Support
In a close family, the absence of one member is easily noticeable. Individuals in such a family pay attention to one another and take actions like calling or visiting to check on each other's well-being. These seemingly ordinary behaviors gain extraordinary value when an individual's ability to manage daily life diminishes.
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Research and Social Impacts
Research shows that strong social relationships are associated with an increased likelihood of survival over time. For example, a comprehensive study in 2010 that examined 148 studies and over 308,000 individuals found that strong social relationships are generally linked to a 50% increase in survival chances. These findings emphasize that emotional and social support is essential for individuals' mental and physical health.
Other studies in various parts of the world, including China and Saudi Arabia, have examined the impact of emotional and financial support from families on individuals' quality of life. These studies indicate that emotional support can help reduce symptoms of depression in adults and enhance individuals' sense of worth and attention from those around them.
In the United States, multigenerational living is also on the rise, with statistics showing that the percentage of individuals living in multigenerational households has increased from 7% in 1971 to 18% in 2021. This increase reflects the economic and social changes that drive families towards greater cooperation and solidarity.
Ultimately, support from the extended family should not be viewed merely as a social issue, but as a necessary requirement for maintaining individuals' health and happiness. This family structure should be supported so that it can act as a source of strength and support in the face of life's challenges.
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