Social Connectedness
Social connectedness is the degree to which people engage and interact with others. It can occur at the individual level, emphasising the quality and quantity of connections amongst an individual with others in their social circle. It can also occur at the community level where it relates to the level of connection one has with their community.
Loneliness
Loneliness affects everyone at some point. Loneliness is a normal signal that informs us that our social needs are unmet. Loneliness is subjective and can occur even if we are not alone. For some people, it may be a transient feeling and for others, it may more persistent. Current research indicates that loneliness leads to poorer mental health and physical health outcomes.
People who are lonely are more likely to die earlier and report more co-morbid health problems. Many people with mental health difficulties also experience loneliness.
+Connect and Peer Tree are positive psychology smartphone applications designed to help reduce loneliness by strengthening social connections. They’re freely available to Swinburne Students and consumers of our mental health stakeholders.
+Connect
A positive psychology smartphone application designed to help reduce loneliness by strengthening social connections.
Peer Tree Program
Peer Tree is a gamified smartphone app designed to reduce loneliness in young people aged 18 to 25 years old. Available on iPhone and iPad.
If you’re using the +Connect and Peer Tree applications, you can download the privacy policy here [PDF 55KB].
Explore our other research themes
Contact the Centre for Mental Health
There are many ways to engage with us. Whether you’re a PhD student, media, or an organisation looking to form a partnership, contact the Centre on +61 3 9214 3865 or via cmh@swinburne.edu.au.