Scientific Study Reveals Surprise.. The Presence of Friends Can Reduce Fear by 90%
March 10, 202649 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Social support enhances brain health and reduces stress and depression.
A research team from South Ural State University in Russia has found that social support plays an important role in reducing stress and fear, as study results showed that the presence of friends can lower fear levels by up to 90%.
A research team from South Ural State University in Russia has found that social support plays an important role in reducing stress and fear, as study results showed that the presence of friends can lower fear levels by up to 90%.
The study was led by researchers Alexey Sarapultsev and Maria Komelkova in collaboration with scientists from Russian and Chinese cities.
The study relied on a series of experiments that began in 2008 on mice, where researchers tested different forms of social interaction, including unfamiliar mice, those living together for long periods, as well as groups consisting of relatives and mothers with offspring. The results showed that having a social partner reduced fear levels in about 78% of cases, and the stress hormone corticosterone decreased by between 30% and 45%.
The study relied on a series of experiments that began in 2008 on mice, where researchers tested different forms of social interaction, including unfamiliar mice, those living together for long periods, as well as groups consisting of relatives and mothers with offspring. The results showed that having a social partner reduced fear levels in about 78% of cases, and the stress hormone corticosterone decreased by between 30% and 45%.
A Biological Explanation for the Impact of Friends
Scientists explained that this effect is related to two main mechanisms: the first relates to hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsible for the stress response, and the second to the role of neurotransmitters such as oxytocin, serotonin, and natural opioids that help enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Researchers also noted that social support boosts the production of BDNF protein, which is essential for neuronal health, and helps restore neural plasticity damaged by chronic stress, along with regulating genes associated with basic brain functions.
Potential Application of Results in Psychotherapy
Researchers believe that these results could be useful in the future for treating post-traumatic stress disorders in humans, especially within psychological rehabilitation programs that rely on long-term recovery, emphasizing that integrating social support into treatment plans may help patients cope with stress and depression more effectively.
