: Definitions & Concepts
This term refers to the ability to form, maintain, and nurture healthy, supportive relationships with others.
What is Social Wellness?
Strong social connections have been proven to significantly reduce levels of this common stress hormone in the body.
What is cortisol?
Joining a campus club, intramural sports team, or volunteer group is a great way to meet people who share these.
What are common interests (or values)?
This type of conflict resolution focuses on finding a solution where both parties feel heard and respected rather than one person "winning."
What is compromise (or win-win resolution)?
True or False: Introverts do not need social wellness as much as extroverts do.
What is False? (Introverts still need strong social connections, just often in smaller doses or tighter circles).
This term describes the invisible rules or limits you set to protect your time, emotional energy, and personal space in relationships.
What are boundaries?
True or False: Prolonged social isolation and loneliness carry health risks comparable to smoking cigarettes.
What is True?
Name two non-verbal cues that show someone you are actively engaged in a conversation with them.
What are eye contact, nodding, open posture, or smiling?
Using "I statements" (e.g., "I feel overwhelmed when...") instead of "You statements" helps prevent the other person from feeling this way.
What is defensive?
You notice a friend has been withdrawing, skipping group plans, and avoiding text messages. The most supportive social wellness response is to check in on them with this quality.
What is empathy (or care/compassion without judgment)?
This core component of social wellness means fully understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.
What is empathy?
This positive mental state is boosted when people feel supported by a strong social network during difficult times.
What is emotional resilience?
This term refers to the reciprocal process of sharing personal details, thoughts, and feelings to build trust in a relationship.
What is self-disclosure?
This modern phenomenon occurs when spending excessive time on social media leads to feelings of disconnection, envy, or anxiety.
What is social comparison (or FOMO / Fear of Missing Out)?
True or False: Setting boundaries with close friends or family members damages social wellness.
What is False? (Boundaries strengthen long-term relationships by preventing resentment and burnout).
This communication skill involves giving your complete attention to a speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully rather than just waiting to talk.
What is active listening?
Studies show that strong social relationships can improve immune function and increase a person's overall __________.
What is longevity (or lifespan)?
In social wellness, "quality" in relationships is considered far more important than this measure.
What is quantity (or the number of connections/followers)?
When a friend or partner repeatedly disrespects your stated boundaries, it may be a sign of this type of unhealthy relationship dynamic.
What is toxic (or red flag / unhealthy dynamic)?
Alex disagrees with a teammate during a group project. Instead of interrupting or walking away, Alex listens to their view and explains their perspective calmly. Alex is demonstrating this social skill.
What is constructive conflict resolution (or active listening/assertive communication)?
This concept describes the psychological feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected within a group or community.
What is a sense of belonging?
This term refers to a social network's ability to provide emotional, practical, or informational help during times of crisis.
What is a support system?
This healthy communication style involves expressing your thoughts and needs clearly and respectfully, without being passive or aggressive.
What is assertive communication?
This practice involves stepping back from digital devices to prioritize real-world, face-to-face social interactions.
What is a digital detox?
Name 3 distinct dimensions of wellness besides Social that interact directly with social wellness.
What are Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Environmental, Financial, or Spiritual?