Holidays, such as Christmas or New Year, where people gather to eat and drink are beneficial for health and well-being because they often make you feel more socially supported, according to a new American study.
- Celebrations in places serving populations more at risk of loneliness and isolation, such as retirement homes or nursing homes, can be particularly beneficial, the researchers point out.
- Professor Wight and her colleagues have used behavioral experiments to interview thousands of people over several years.
According to American researchers from Indiana University, a big party is beneficial for health and well-being. their study, published in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketingreveals that getting involved in celebrating positive life events by coming together to eat and drink often leads to feeling more socially supported.
Well-being: Social support during the holidays is linked to better health
The study authors define social support as trust that our network of friends and loved ones will be there for us when negative life events occur. Researchers say this feeling is associated with better health and well-being outcomes, including better life expectancy as well as less anxiety and depression.
To foster the perception of greater social support, the study authors explain that parties must meet three conditions: gathering together, eating or drinking, and voluntarily making an effort “to recognize the positive achievements of others”.
“Many celebrations at this time [Noël et le Nouvel An], include two of the three conditions – eating and drinking while gathering. Adding the third condition is key”said the co-author of the study Kelley Gullo Wightan assistant professor at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, in a university statement. “For example, take the time to congratulate someone on being accepted to their first choice university, or for a work project that went well, or for a new job offer. This will maximize the benefits for your well-being and the well-being of all the participants in this end-of-year party”she recommends.
We are more willing to donate around the holidays
The authors of the study add that, even if the gathering is done remotely in a virtual way, if it meets the three conditions, it can also increase perceived social support, as well as all the benefits that come with it. However, they say, it is vital for policymakers looking to implement measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 that may impact social gatherings to understand the benefits of such celebrations.
Another interesting observation: “We’ve found that when people feel socially supported after a celebration, they’re more ‘pro-social’ and more willing to volunteer their time or donate to a cause”notes co-author Danielle Brick, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Connecticut. “Now would be a good time for nonprofits to launch giving campaigns, around the time many people are celebrating positive life events, like vacations or graduations.”she adds.