In recent study out of Australia, published in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Wellbeing, found that men with fewer friends are more likely to experience higher levels of depression symptoms.

The study focused on “social network investment”, where unlike social support which involves quality of interactions, this term focuses more on the structural aspect of social circles including time and resources individuals invest into building and maintaining social networks.

Using data from the Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study of 507 male subjects between the ages of 28-32 years old, researchers analyzed the relationship between various aspects of social network investments – such as time spent with friends and size of social networks. They also collected and analyze data on reported depression, anxiety, and stress.

They found that men with fewer friends in their close and extended networks reported higher depressive symptoms, concurrently and longitudinally. In other words, social network investment can be a predictor of future depression.

On a positive note, researchers also found that eating meals and physical activity with friends led to better mental health outcomes. The study also found that social drinking activities was not significantly linked to positive nor negative outcomes, and was neutral in general.

It was also important to note that benefits of strong social network investments were immediate without long-term impact on reducing future mental health problems.

Therefore, it is important for men to be social animals and to do it consistently. Like any relationship, it must be maintained with regularly getting together because the other option is to let the relationship fade away, leaving you in states of anxiety and depression.

So, go out. Go make friends.

K Mansour et al. Social network of men: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with mental health problems. Applied psychology: Health and Well-Being (2023). https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12475