Connectedness: We’ll never walk alone

The key theme for 2020-2021 is about “Connectedness”. As defined by the Ministry of Social Department, New Zealand, there are three components namely, “socialising”, “social support” and “sense of belonging” which together can support people’s wellbeing and resilience. “Social connectedness” (Frieling, Peach & Cording, 2018) refers to the social ties between people and which is the key driver of wellbeing and resilience. Social connections play an important role across many aspects of people’s lives. Socially well-connected people and communities are happier and healthier, and are better able to take charge of their lives and find solutions to the problems they are facing.

Below is a checklist of how well we are connected to others. If your total number of scores in the self-evaluation exercise reaches to a number of 60 or above, it might imply that you have had people or network available to gain your social support. You are not lonely because you have people around and who are always ready to support you. With scores between 48 and 59, it means that you are developing your human resource connection and you can find someone to help if needed. However, if the number of your total scores is between 37 and 47, that means you need to look for your teacher and ask for his/her advice of how you can get sufficient support to save you from being challenged with problems and difficulties. But if you have got a total score of 36 or below, you might need to seriously look into the items which are worth your greatest sincere attention.

Please have a quick self-reflection on the following evaluation items. Fill the appropriate box in full where “1” is for “Strongly disagree” and “7” is for “Strongly agree”.

Strongly disagree 　　　　　　　　　　　　Strongly agree

	Social Support Measurement Items	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
1	There is a special person who is around when I am in need.
2	There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.
3	My family really tries to help me.
4	I get the emotional help and support I need from my family.
5	I have a special person who is a real source of comfort to me.
6	My friends really try to help me.
7	I can count on my friends when things go wrong.
8	I can talk about my problems with my family.
9	I have friends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.
10	There is a special person in my life who cares about my feelings.
11	My family is willing to help me make decisions.
12	I can talk about my problems with my friends.

(Measurement tool adapted from the instrument developed by Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet & Farley (1988))

Well, what does your result look like? How many items are over “5” or above, or under “3” or below? Are you happy with it? Do you have sufficient resources of support? Please share your result with your close friends or teachers and hear their advice. Have a nice day!

Reference:

Frieling, M., Peach, E. K. & Cording, J. (2018). The measurement of social connectedness and its relationship to wellbeing. Ministry of Social Development, NZ: Wellington.

Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52(1), 30–41.