Examining the relationship between social ties and perceived effect of stress on health among employees

The purpose of this study was to measure if there is a predictive relationship between self-reported social ties strength and individuals’ self-perceived effect of stress on health and if there are differences based on demographic variables including: race, pay group, age, household income level, and Club Health Score (a composite score of biometric measures). The individuals’ perceived stress-related health outcomes were then compared to their tested health outcomes to see if there was a relationship. The data set included 1,442 people from a corporate wellness program developed by Element Health. A sample of 870 males between the ages of 20 and 70 years old was used. The results show that strength of social ties is the strongest predictor of self-reported perceived stress impact on health followed by race, Club Health Score, and employee pay group. Existing research shows an inverse relationship between chronic stress and increased risk for poor health outcomes including hypertension, anxiety and depression. The misperception that all poor health outcomes are preventable through behavior modifications limited to proper diet and exercise could delay preventive behaviors such as increased employee social support and improved stress management. Improved understanding of the connection between social ties and the workplace and stress-related health outcomes could increase resilience, allow for interventions to manage the physiological effects of chronic stress, and assist in preventing and controlling the negative effects of chronic disease