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The Effect of Communication on Physical, Mental, and Day-to-Day Wellness

Daniel Hu, Nicholaus Rios, Sid Vallabhajosyula, Elly Jiang, Madalynne Thornton, Rohan

Beniwal

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

ENG 1301: Writing and Rhetoric I

Dr. Frances Johnson

19 November 2022
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The Effects of Communication on Physical, Mental, and Day-To-Day Wellness

Social stimuli are considered fundamental to human life, comparable to that of other

basic life functions such as food and sleep (Orben et al., 2020). Studies have suggested that

social connection and communication between peers is crucial for maintaining dimensions of

wellness (Martino et al., 2015). Therefore, it is important for modern science and psychology to

maintain a recent level of understanding of social stimuli, with the same scrutiny of food

consumption and sleep (Orben et al., 2020).

Earlier review articles have discussed the topic, however, a more current synthesis is

needed. The purpose of the following literature review is to report on the current conversation

among scholars on the topic of The Effect of Communication on Physical, Mental, and Day-to-

Day Wellness.

Physical effects of daily communication and socialization with peers

Many aspects of physical health can be improved greatly through social connections,

rather than social isolation (Martino et al., 2015). Affectionate communication, referring to

positive affirmations through communication, has been shown to improve the immune system

through increased natural killer cell toxicity, as well as decreasing levels of resting heart rate,

blood pressure, and blood glucose (Floyd et al., 2022). Positive communication is a form of

stress reliever, which helps reduce many side effects that may be impairing day-to-day function

(Denes et al., 2017). Studies have shown that people who communicate and socialize with peers

daily tend to have better physical health than those who rarely socialize and go out to talk with

their peers (Martino et al, 2015). Some more physical effects that have proven to be beneficial

are a decrease in obesity, a decrease in mortality, a decrease in diabetes, and help with
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cardiovascular diseases, Etc. (Pegg, 2017). Thus, the more people socialize and communicate

with their peers, the more they benefit from their physical life, even if they do not explicitly feel

it.

Mental health benefits and disadvantages of social interaction and communication

Behavioral, psychosocial, and physiological aspects are the three different aspects of

communication that help benefit someone’s everyday life, but inadequate communication can

ruin them (Umberson & Karas, 2010). For example, by improving physiological reactivity to

stress stimuli, communication can reduce the effects of stress at a faster rate (Floyd et al, 2022).

Groups that had longer extracurricular activities experienced higher levels of stress, which led to

an increase in neuroticism (Sano et al, 2018). Proper communication creates an environment

suitable for rehab (Vatne & Hoem, 2008). Since social connections/interactions release good

endorphins, they are known for a potential healing effect on people (Martino et al, 2017). A

therapeutic milieu, or social environment, is critical in improving mental health (Vatne & Hoem,

2008). The use of milieu therapy is suggested for patients experiencing some form of PTSD

(Vatne & Hoem, 2008). Social support found on social media provides many benefits, such as

increased emotional support and reduced social anxiety (Best et al, 2014). Lower levels of

affection in communication can cause mental health issues such as depression, loneliness, stress,

discomfort with closeness, and fear of intimacy (Denes et al, 2017).

Different forms of communication and their effects on day-to-day life

The use of communication in every aspect of our life, either verbally or non-verbally, to

convey our ideas, thoughts, emotions, etc. (Lunenburg, 2010). Effective communication is the
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most important tool to achieve the desired purpose (Lunenburg, 2010). For example, information

needs to be communicated effectively to a patient so that they understand the severity of their

medical issue (Williams et al, 2007). Communication comprises 30% speaking, 45% listening,

16% reading, and 9% writing (Mahajan, 2015). Speaking as an aspect of communication is

important because one needs to be efficient in meetings, group discussions, seminars, workshops,

or presentations (Mahajan, 2015). For example, in the workplace, Communication between

superior and subordinate, in a workplace, plays a critical role in effective decision making,

improved productivity and organizational learning (Gupta er al, 2022). Other types of

communication, such as non-verbal, visual, interpersonal, and listening, can accomplish much of

the same verbal communication. (Denes et al, 2017). Children under the age of 10 spend

significant time interacting with their peers and building more complex peer relationships (Orben

et al, 2020). Such as peer acceptance, rejection, and approval. (Orben et al, 2020). Social media

sites have been linked with forming communities and increasing feelings of belonging among

adolescents (Best et al,2014).

Conclusion

The data and information found by researchers and scholars explain how communication

significantly affects various forms of health and daily life. Whether this is aiding people in

feeling like they belong, reducing stress and anxiety, improving their weight, or even improving

their self-worth, communication can unite people. However, it may also drive them away from

one another. Hence, it is essential to communicate clearly and effectively to improve everyone.
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References

Best, P., Manktelow, R., & Taylor, B. (2014). Online communication, social media and

adolescent wellbeing: A systematic narrative review. Children and Youth Services

Review, 41, 27-36. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.03.001

Denes, A., Bennett, M., & Winkler, K. L. (2017). Exploring the benefits of affectionate

communication: Implications for interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory. Journal of

Family Theory & Review, 9(4), 491-506. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12218

Floyd, K., Debrot, A., Horan, S. M., Hesse, C., & Woo, N. T. (2022). Affectionate

communication, health, and relationships. Personal Relationships.

https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12444.

Gupta, N., Pandla, K., & Nautiys, J. P. (2022). Role of communication in enhancing workplace

happiness: A review of literature. International Journal of Research Publication and

Reviews, 3(1), 1366-1370.

Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Communication: The process, barriers, and improving effectiveness.

SCHOOLING, 1(1).

Mahajan, R. (2015). The key role of communication skills in the life of professionals. IOSR

Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 20(12).

Martino, J., Pegg, J., & Frates, E. P. (2015). The connection prescription: Using the power of

social interactions and the deep desire for connectedness to empower health and

wellness. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 11(6), 466-475.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827615608788
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Orben, A., Tomova, L., & Blakemore, S.-J. (2020). The effects of social deprivation on

adolescent development and mental health. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 4(8),

634-640. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30186-3

Sano, A., Taylor, S., Mchill, A. W., Phillips, A. J., Barger, L. K., Klerman, E., & Picard, R.

(2018). Identifying objective physiological markers and modifiable behaviors for self-

reported stress and mental health status using wearable sensors and mobile phones:

Observational study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(6), e210.

https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.9410

Umberson, D., & Karas Montez, J. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for

health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1_suppl), S54-S66.

http://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501

Vatne, S., & Hoem, E. (2008). Acknowledging communication: A milieu-therapeutic approach

in mental health care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 61(6), 690-698.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04565.x

Williams, S. L., Haskard, K. B., & DiMatteo, M. R. (2007). The therapeutic effects of the

physician-older patient relationship: Effective communication with vulnerable older

patients. Clinical Intervention in Aging, 2(3), 453-467.