Social Interaction and Psychological Well-Being: Comparison across Stages of Adulthood

Abstract

Using a national probability sample, this study examines the impact of social interaction on psychological well-being across stages of adulthood. Quality of social interaction measured by satisfaction with family life and friendship are found to be positively related to well-being of adults in all age groups. A further examination of this positive effect shows that the impact of family and friendship interaction on well-being are similar in each adulthood stage. These findings show that the positive impact of social interaction on psychological well-being is not unique to the elderly population but similar among all stages of adulthood.