The far-reaching impact of emotional and social skills

Is Happiness Catching?

Sep 13, 2009
bubble 3 comments
Submitted by: Paula Schwed

 Our emotional connections and relationship bonds affect our health in surprising ways, according to two researchers whose findings are chronicled in The New York Times Sunday Magazine article that previews their upcoming book, "Connected." Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler's research demonstrates that your friends - and your friends' friends - can make you eat too much, quit smoking or get happy.

"People are connected, and so their health is connected," concluded the reseachers.

At WINGS, we teach the kids this concept by telling them the story of the cheerful bus driver whose exuberant greetings to passengers as they board lift their spirits and affect their day. The kids are reminded to "be a bus driver," and recognize that they, too, affect the feelings of those they encounter. It's another important life lesson in how emotional and social skills have the power to change lives.

Related topics: teaching life lessons, What is the definition of social skills?

Visit WINGS and learn more about emotional and social skills activities for children

 

Building a strong network

On October 5th, 2009 Adam Pomerantz says:
Whether we like it our not, our actions significantly influence others. This article points out how group attitudes and behaviors shape individuals and entire populations. By focusing on developing social and emotional intelligence, WINGS students are not only able to select a positive peer group, but to be a positive influences on others. Gains made by WINGS students are magnified as they build strong networks throughout the community.

Peer pressure

On September 14th, 2009 Bridget Laird says:

When I read this article I can't help to think that these connections really boil down to a form of peer pressure--in a good way. Eileen stopped smoking because her friends stopped. It took a few of her friends to decide they did not want to be like everyone else and they wanted to quit. So they avoided negative peer pressure to keep smoking. Then Eileen and her other friends responded to positive peer pressure to quit. It is easy to stop bad habits and continue good ones when you see the people around you prospering by making those decisions. At WINGS we have a lot of social and emotional activities around peer pressure. Our hope is we build a group of kids that is exuding positive peer pressure and not responding to the negative.

Bridget Laird

We can create a chain reaction

On September 14th, 2009 Liz Mester says:
One thing that I've learned from working for WINGS is that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis. I am good at my job because everyone I work with excels at their job. If our work environment is productive than I'm productive. I can see how the same goes for health. If you've surrounded yourself around active, healthy individuals you therefore are more apt to be healthy. Same goes for happiness and optimism. And, we all know misery loves company. Seems to me there's mounting proof that social and emotional smarts lead to successful, healthy, happy individuals. I feel lucky to be guilty by association...