Although the literature supports the positive link between (a) social
engagement and (b) psychological well-being and perceived health, it is
still unclear whether social engagement is also related to objective
health indicators. This study compares five clusters of participation in
social activities during leisure time: (1) no social participation, (2)
passive social participation (e.g., attending activities), and three
levels (3a) low, (3b) average, and (3c) high active participation
involving social engagement in group activities.
Affiliates (N = 4988) of the Belgian Christian Mutuality reported their
degree of social participation and consented that their annual health
care data (number of medical appointments and medicines in Daily Day
Dose – DDD) would be examined in relation to their responses concerning
(a) perceived social integration (social support, loneliness, social
relationships, social fusion), (b) psychological well-being
(self-esteem, sense of meaning, Pemberton happiness scale), and (c)
perceived health.
Results confirmed the strong positive association between level of
social participation, psychological well-being and perceived health.
Furthermore, the higher was the level of social engagement, the less
frequent were the contacts with medical practitioners and the lower was
the overall use of medication. While passive participation suffices to
feel better than no social involvement at all, respondents with active
participation are those evidencing higher psychological well-being and
lower health care needs.