VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Study provides insights on life without friendship
Study provides insights on life without friendship
Study provides insights on life without friendship
Friday 23rd May 2025
Explore the complexities of living without friends with Laura Eramian's study on friendlessness in Atlantic Canada.
29 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Honest
Supportive
Thought-provoking
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
232 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Friendship: A Choice or a Societal Expectation?
Episode Overview
- Friendlessness can lead to both feelings of loneliness and autonomy.
- Societal expectations often stigmatise those without friends.
- Modern society offers more choice in friendships but can lead to feelings of exclusion.
- Factors like income and work schedules can hinder forming friendships.
- Public health messages about friendship can create additional pressure.
"People often choose their friends based on mutual liking or shared interests, making it extra personal when you're not chosen."
People First Radio takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of friendlessness, exploring what it means to live without close social connections. Laura Eramian, a professor at Dalhousie University, spearheads a study involving 21 Atlantic Canadians who identify as having few or no friends. The episode unpacks the complexities of living without friendship in a society that often emphasises the importance of social bonds for mental and physical well-being.
Through interviews, Eramian reveals a mixed bag of experiences—some participants lament their lack of friends, while others celebrate their autonomy and self-reliance. The discussion raises questions about the societal pressures surrounding friendship and how public health messages might impact those who choose solitude. Eramian's study highlights the diversity among those without friends, debunking the myth that loneliness automatically equates to unhappiness. Participants range from young professionals prioritising careers over social lives to retirees who find peace in solitude.
The episode also touches on how modern society has transformed the concept of friendship. With the rise of urbanisation and technology, people now have more choice in their friendships, which can sometimes lead to feeling left out or inadequate when not chosen by others. Eramian suggests that broader societal structures play a role in shaping our ability to form friendships, pointing out that factors like income and work schedules can be significant barriers.
If you've ever pondered the role of friendship in your life or questioned societal norms around social connections, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. It challenges you to think critically about how friendship is valued and provides insight into how people navigate life without these bonds.