Smartline Research
Wellbeing and Social Network Characteristics in Rural Communities
Where we live, the social networks we keep and the ability to access the resources required to feel part of the hive, each play an important role in maintaining a positive level of health and wellbeing. Community isolation or our perception of ‘community’ as a whole can, as this research reveals have a reciprocal impact on both personal and community health, particularly in rural communities.
Why is wellbeing important?
This might be an obvious question, but understanding the source of wellbeing is important for maintaining life satisfaction both individually and collectively. According to this research, wellbeing is deeply embedded in our human dependency on social inclusion and with mental health now the largest single cause of disability in the UK, maintaining wellbeing is increasingly important individually, locally and nationally.
Why is it important to research wellbeing in resource-poor rural settings?
Dr Emily Long, Lead researcher on the project explains: “Deprivation is a well-known risk factor for a variety of health-related outcomes. We also know that there are vast differences between rural and urban areas of the UK, and although research tends to show better health outcomes in rural areas, this often doesn’t include an analysis of deprivation. For this reason, we wanted our research to focus on both rurality and deprivation – which working in Cornwall allowed us to do.”
Dr E Long, Research Fellow, University of Glasgow
What research has been carried out?
This research was conducted via interview led surveys during the winter of 2018/2019 with 88 residents living in low-income social housing properties, owned and managed by Coastline Housing, located in the towns and villages of Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth in West Cornwall, UK.
“Participants were asked about their social network by listing the names and characteristics (e.g., gender) of up to eight individuals in their local area whom they meet to discuss matters important to them.
Participants were also asked if they are able to talk to these nominated individuals about their health and wellbeing. All participants provided consent to participate in the study.”
Long, E., Stevens, S., Topciu, R. et al. Wellbeing and Social Network Characteristics in Rural Communities: Findings from a Cohort in Social Housing in Cornwall, United Kingdom.
What are the impacts?
Research findings suggest those seeking to improve mental wellbeing in rural and resource-poor settings should consider social network size when developing, rolling out, and evaluating interventions.
“The findings from our study highlight the importance of multiple forms of social connectivity. We show that it is not just a simple instance of increasing people’s social circles, but that actually their perceptions of social cohesion are equally important. This means that interventions to improve wellbeing need a multifaceted approach – and that working within communities to improve relations may be a viable approach.”
Dr E Long, Research Fellow, University of Glasgow
What happens next?
This innovative research has started a new conversation about the health and wellbeing of people in rural settings. Understanding how community structures and individual behaviours impact wellbeing can improve planning and services towards healthier happier communities.
Who is involved?
This collaborative Smartline research is led by Dr Emily Long, Research Fellow, University of Glasgow and Dr Andrew James Williams Senior Lecturer in Public Health, St Andrews
Smartline Researchers - Dr Timothy James Taylor, Dr Sebastian Stevens, Dr Raluci Topciu, and Prof. Karyn Morrissey.
Related Research
Wellbeing and Social Network Characteristics in Rural Communities: Findings from a Cohort in Social Housing in Cornwall, United Kingdom
‘The mental wellbeing of those living in resource-poor and rural localities is a public health priority. Despite evidence of a link between social networks and mental wellbeing, little is known about this relationship in the context of rural and resource-poor environments’…