But new research published in The Journal of Positive Psychology suggests something different: the happiest societies aren’t built by people pursuing happiness alone. They’re built by people investing in one another.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 97,000 people across 66 countries and found that communities thrive when they promote trust, inclusion, equality, freedom, and support for others. In fact, these “communitarian” factors explained societal happiness better than factors focused solely on individual well-being.
This matters even more during stressful times. Whether facing economic uncertainty, natural disasters, or personal challenges, strong communities provide emotional support, practical help, a sense of belonging, and collective resilience. When people know they’re not alone, they’re better able to cope and recover.
“The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food.”
Dean Ornish
The Science of Connection
- The Need to Belong (Roy Baumeister & Mark Leary, 1995): Argued that forming and maintaining meaningful relationships is a fundamental human motivation.
- Social Relationships and Mortality Risk (Julianne Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010): Meta-analysis of 148 studies found that strong social relationships increase survival odds by about 50%.
- Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al, 2015.): Found that loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk of premature death.
- Social Baseline Theory (James Coan et al.): Neuroscience research showing the human brain is designed to expect social support and functions more efficiently when trusted others are present.
- Harvard Study of Adult Development: One of the longest-running studies of human well-being, consistently finding that close, supportive relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness, health, and longevity. Relationship quality matters more than wealth, status, or even many traditional health measures. People who were most satisfied with their relationships at age 50 were often the healthiest at age 80.
- Global Mapping of Happiness (Palikot, Haas, Takemura & Kryś,, 2026): Found that societies emphasizing inclusion, trust, equality, and support for others tend to be happier than those focused primarily on individual well-being. The researchers concluded that collective well-being depends less on individuals pursuing happiness alone and more on creating conditions where people can thrive together.
“Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
Robert Waldinger
Our nervous systems have two pathways back to safety. The first is self-regulation: the internal tools and practices we use to calm and steady ourselves. The second is co-regulation: finding safety through connection with another calm, supportive person.
Co-Regulation vs Self-Regulation
When we’re overwhelmed, anxious, angry, or shut down, many of us have been told to “go regulate ourselves” by taking a walking, breathing deeply, etc.
While self-regulation is important, decades of neuroscience research suggest something many people forget: we regulate best through connection, not isolation.
As children, we relied on our caregivers to help our nervous systems learn what safety felt like. A soothing voice, a comforting touch, and a steady presence taught our brains and bodies how to settle. It turns out that core need for connection doesn’t disappear in adulthood.
When we’re distressed, our nervous systems still automatically ask: Am I safe? Am I alone? Is someone available to help?
This is why being seen, heard, understood, and supported can be so powerful. Connection sends a message that we are not facing life’s challenges alone.
Unfortunately, many people learned early in life that others weren’t safe or dependable. For them, self-regulation may feel easier than receiving support as it means less risk or vulnerability.
Yet that discomfort still points to an important truth: the nervous system may be longing for the very connection it has learned to avoid.
The takeaway: Community is not a luxury. It’s a biological need. Safe relationships help buffer stress. Supportive communities build resilience. And meaningful connection helps our nervous systems remember what safety feels like.
Benefits of Community
The benefits of community are both personal and collective:
- Greater happiness and life satisfaction
- Lower loneliness and stress
- Increased trust and social connection
- Stronger resilience during crises
- More supportive and inclusive communities
Without community, we often see:
- Isolation and loneliness
- Higher stress and anxiety
- Decreased trust in others
- Social division and polarization
The study’s biggest takeaway is that a happy society is more than just a collection of happy individuals. Personal well-being matters, but collective well-being grows when we create conditions that help everyone thrive.
“Our findings show that a happy society is more than just a collection of happy individuals. Societies are happier when they create conditions that benefit everyone.”
Ewa Palikot
10 Ways to Invest in Community
The best intentions are not enough. “Community-maxxing” is about actually showing up and building connections through conversation and shared goals.
Here’s how to actually build “the village” that everyone always talks about:
- Invest in your intimate circle of connections: close friends and family who let you be yourself, and are there for you during everyday moments, and to catch you during hard times. Be there for them too!
- Show up with food, childcare, or others resources and support when it matters: during times of transition or change, or when someone is ill or going through a hard time
- Lend and share tools, toys, gear and household items
- Build a social circle of acquaintances you share hobbies, passions, and interests with.
- Build a group of colleagues, peers and mentors committed to skill-building, learning and career growth.
- Check in on neighbors, long distance friends, and coworkers regularly.
- Join a local group, volunteer effort, or community event and attend consistently.
- Support local businesses and nonprofit organizations with your wallet, time or attention.
- Create welcoming spaces at home, work, school, faith centers and beyond where people feel they belong.
- Support and advocate for public health policies, systems, and institutions that benefit the greater good.
Community is made in the moments that say, ” I am here and you can count on me in the good times, and the bad”
At a time when many people are feeling disconnected, community-maxxing may be one of the most powerful forms of resilience we have. The research reminds us that happiness isn’t just something we create for ourselves. It’s something we build together.
“Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
Robert Waldinger
Next Steps
- ATTEND an upcoming training, workshops, or community event
- REQUEST a private event for your network or group
- LEARN more about our signature Rapid Reset tools
- CONNECT through our email or social channels to stay in-the-know