Loneliness as a predictor of health and well-being

Barbara Starrett

SaddleBrooke Freethinkers is proud to have Chris Segrin, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona speak on loneliness on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. at the MountainView Ballroom. Everyone has experienced loneliness. In some cases, loneliness can be a threat to your health and well-being. Prof. Segrin will cover the origins and lived-experiences of loneliness. He will present the data that loneliness can be a major threat to our health and well-being comparable to publicized risk factors of smoking cigarettes and lack of exercise. He will provide information linking loneliness to a range of mental and physical health problems such as heart disease and depression. While the evidence confirms that loneliness is a major threat to health and well-being, at the same time evidence shows outcomes can be altered by a number of relatively controllable social behaviors. Dr Segrin will tell us what we can do to live our best and healthiest lives at SaddleBrooke.

Dr. Segrin is a behavioral scientist whose specialty is interpersonal relationships and mental health. His research focuses on social skills, relationship development and satisfaction, and such problems as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and marital distress. Professor Segrin has recently conducted studies with colleagues at the University of Arizona College of Nursing to develop methods for improving quality of life. He is a former editor of Communication Theory and associate editor of Human Communication Research. He holds an endowed professorship in Communication and has been the recipient of 20 research awards and six teaching awards. He has more than 150 publications to his credit. Dr. Segrin received his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin.

SaddleBrooke Freethinkers provides a forum for the responsible search for truth and meaning in understanding and solving human problems by applying science and reason. We believe that tolerance, compassion, equity, and civility should characterize interactions among people and organizations. We strive to achieve these goals through meetings, lectures, and discussions.

Lectures are open to all SaddleBrooke residents and their guests as space is available. You can become a member of the SaddleBrooke Freethinkers for $10 per calendar year. This fee includes all lectures and other Freethinkers events like the book club and social events. Lecture program runs January-April and October-December.

Freethinker meetings are at the MountainView Ballroom on Sunday mornings with coffee social at 9:30 a.m. with the program starting at 10 a.m. We usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month but schedules change so check our website SBFreethinkers.wordpress.com for the latest information. Non-members are encouraged to make a $2 donation to defray costs. Also, we encourage attendees to bring non-perishable food or cash or check donations for the Tri-Community Food Bank.

For more information visit our website SBFreethinkers.wordpress.com or if you have questions, email us at [email protected].