World-renowned scientist Temple Grandin discusses the importance of support networks in her success and how lacking strong social connections can impact health. The podcast explores the significance of relationships in shaping identity and well-being, while highlighting the benefits of belonging to a community for mental health and happiness.
Supportive relationships are crucial for overcoming challenges and finding motivation.
Being part of social groups can reduce depression symptoms and enhance resilience in facing setbacks.
Deep dives
The Importance of Support Networks in Overcoming Challenges
Temple Grandin, a cultural champion born with autism, discusses how supportive relationships, like those she had with her science teacher and aunt, were crucial in helping her navigate the challenges of high school and find motivation to study. Through shared interests with friends in activities like running the horse barn and engaging in hobbies, Temple was able to overcome feelings of ostracism and develop a passion for science.
The Impact of Social Connections on Well-being
Teagan Krewas, a psychologist, highlights the significance of social connections on overall health. Loneliness and chronic isolation can have detrimental effects, being worse for health than factors like being overweight or not exercising. Research shows that being part of social groups can reduce depression symptoms and enhance resilience in facing setbacks, emphasizing the importance of authentic identification with a group.
The Vital Role of Social Groups in Health and Happiness
Being part of a community that aligns with one's identity not only enhances well-being but also influences a sense of self. Teagan Krewas emphasizes that social groups are not optional extras for health but essential components that impact how individuals perceive themselves and their health. The study reveals that engaging in group activities that resonate with one's identity can significantly lower the risk of depression relapse and foster a sense of belonging and support.
She's the world's leading animal behaviorist and an autism advocacy leader. Guest Temple Grandin shares what kind of support systems led her to success, and we hear about how community, and lack thereof, affects our health and ability to succeed.
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/y82vw4dv
Episode summary: Having strong relationships is vital to our well-being. We tend to be happier and healthier when we’re involved with community. Today’s guest is the world-famous scientist Temple Grandin. She was born with autism, which led her to be socially isolated from her peers. Join us on this episode of The Science of Happiness to hear about how Grandin credits her support networks for her success and making her into the person she is today. We’ll also look at the science behind the health repercussions of not having strong social networks. Feeling socially disconnected can lead to a higher risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, cancer and more.
Today’s guests: Temple Grandin is a leading scientist, prominent author and speaker on autism and animal behaviors. Today, she teaches courses at Colorado State University. Her latest book is Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions. Temple’s Website: https://www.templegrandin.com Follow Temple on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtemplegrandin?lang=en Check out Temple’s Latest Book: https://tinyurl.com/3tftxpck
Tegan Cruwyis is a clinical psychologist at The National Australian University who studies social connection and how loneliness and chronic isolation are literally toxic. Learn more about Cruwyis and her work: https://tinyurl.com/3etuvket Follow Cruwyis on Google Scholar: https://tinyurl.com/yc5ujhaj
Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
Four Ways Social Support Makes You More Resilient https://tinyurl.com/34ntce8u What is Social Connection? https://tinyurl.com/nk8crbbz Is Social Connection the Best Path to Happiness? https://tinyurl.com/4wxc66tn Why are We so Wired to Connect? https://tinyurl.com/uttppd3p
Tell us about your experiences with building social connections. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness!
Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap
Transcript to come.
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