title: An empirical analysis of the association between social interaction and self-rated health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To empirically investigate the relationship of social interactions with self-rated health status.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The United States, 1972-2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  53,043 respondents interviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-person interviews were conducted by the National Opinion Research Center. Health is measured via self-assessment, and a binary indicator defines whether the respondent reports excellent or good health. Impersonal social interaction is binary, reflecting membership in at least one organization; personal interaction is binary, reflecting whether the respondent visits relatives, neighbors, friends, or bars at least once a month. Demographic, region, and time variables are standard controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Probit models were estimated at aggregated and disaggregated (race, gender, age, and education) levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Impersonal interaction fell 5% between 1974 and 1994, with deeper declines (12%) in personal interaction. Neighbor visits fell most (24%), but friends gained (5%). Marginal estimates indicate both personal and impersonal interactions are associated with better health. However, friends show the strongest effect. A 1-SD increase in the probability of meeting friends versus joining a club or association is associated with a higher (.019 vs. .014) probability of being in very good or excellent health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Social interaction, impersonal or personal, is significantly associated with health. Public policy facilitating greater interactions of the type that benefits different demographic groups may be health promoting. Results are suggestive of potential network effects at the individual and community levels, which have implications for designing and targeting more effective health interventions.
authors: Department of Economics, Bentley University, 175 Forest Street, AAC 183, Waltham, MA 02452, USA. smukerjee@bentley.edu
authors: Swati
authors: S
authors: Mukerjee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States