We are committed to advancing the science of social connection and human well-being. Our research projects span global initiatives, such as the development of the Global Index of Social Connection, and regional studies, including the evaluation of loneliness measurements across the European Union. We also delve into the conceptualization and measurement of relationship quality across multiple countries and explore the sense of belonging through our collaboration with Neighbourly Lab. Additionally, we are conducting a landscaping review to establish large-scale collaborative research hubs focused on human flourishing in Southeast Asia and the Arab Region:

• Evaluating Loneliness Measurements across the European Union:

Relying on data from an EU Loneliness survey, we examine three loneliness measurements for their suitability in population surveys. We will assess the factor structure, reliability, measurement invariance, and nomological network of these measures in all 27 EU member states.

ABSL researchers: Miguel Silan, Dr. Hans Rocha IJzerman

Preprint link here

• Landscaping Review for Establishing Large-Scale Collaborative Human Flourishing Research Hubs in Southeast Asia and the Arab Region:

Here we assess the viability of, and provide insights for the creation of large-scale collaborative human flourishing research hubs in Southeast Asia and the Arab region through the systematic review of top journals, faculty scrawling of top universities, and participatory key informant interviews of experts in 5 disciplines (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Religious Studies and Economics) in five countries each in Southeast Asia and the Arab Region.

• Multi-Country Investigation into the Conceptualization and Experience of Social Connection, Social Isolation, and Loneliness:

Acknowledging the significant impact of social connection on health, mortality, and life satisfaction, we engage in a rigorous four-phased approach to redefine social connection through in-depth interviews, multi-country item generation, nomological network validation through surveys in 20 countries, and the creation of a comprehensive scale manual with translations. This project is supported by the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.

ABSL researchers: Dr. Hans Rocha IJzerman, Miguel Silan

Read more about the project here

• Belonging Project:

The Belonging Project, in partnership with Neighbourly Lab, focuses on analyzing data from the 2021 Survey of Londoners to uncover the factors influencing residents’ sense of belonging in London. Through a detailed examination of demographic, social, and environmental variables, this project aims to identify the key predictors of belonging and community engagement across different groups. The insights drawn from this analysis, combined with qualitative research from Neighbourly Lab, will help inform policies and initiatives to foster stronger community ties and improve the well-being of Londoners.

• A Multi-Country Investigation into the Conceptualization and Measurement of Relationship Quality: 

Relationship quality is a foundational construct, but there is no consensus on its definition, conceptualization and measurement. Here we explore the conceptualization of relationship quality by conducting in-depth interviews with lay individuals in five countries (US, Philippines, Turkey, France and Brazil) and relationship therapists worldwide. The resulting qualitative data will inform the multilab-multicountry development of a scale, followed by a 3-month longitudinal validation study, culminating in the creation of a comprehensive scale manual for effective administration and interpretation.

ABSL researchers: Miguel Silan, Dr. Hans Rocha IJzerman