Social Inclusion Predicts Lower Blood Glucose and Low-Density Lipoproteins in Healthy Adults.

Loneliness has been shown to have direct effects on one's personal well-being. Specifically, a greater feeling of loneliness is associated with negative mental health outcomes, negative health behaviors, and an increased likelihood of premature mortality. Using the neuroendocrine hypothesis, we expected social inclusion to predict decreases in both blood glucose levels and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and increases in high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Fifty-two healthy adults provided self-report data for social inclusion and blood samples for hematological tests. Results indicated that higher social inclusion predicted lower levels of blood glucose and LDL, but had no effect on HDL. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

"Coming out" as an alcoholic: how former problem drinkers negotiate disclosure of their nondrinking identity.

Although communication is critical for former problem drinkers to reject drinks, socialize with others, minimize stigma, and maintain their health and sobriety, recovering alcoholics' communication has not been examined beyond alcohol self-help groups. Using a Communication Privacy Management framework and in-depth, semistructured interviews, this study examined how former problem drinkers negotiate the disclosure of their nondrinking status. As participants perceived not drinking in the United States as deviant and socially risky, the investigation found participants primarily concealed their nondrinking status in order to fit in. Participants enacted specific communicative behaviors to regulate their privacy boundaries, only disclosing their struggles with alcohol when benefits outweighed costs (e.g., inspiring others, maintaining sobriety, or building relationships). This study offers practical disclosure strategies for former problem drinkers to protect their private information, manage social interactions, and stay sober.