54 LONELINESS - HOW TO COLLABORATE AND CONNECT The field of positive psychology focuses at three different levels: the subjective, the individual and the group level: • Subjective Level: Focuses on the study of positive experiences such as positive emotions, happiness, and meaning in life, optimism, hope, and flow. • Individual Level: Main focus the study of the personal qualities, character strengths and virtues such as capacity for love, courage, forgiveness, creativity and wisdom. • Group or Community Level: The emphasis is on civic virtues, social responsibilities, nurturance, altruism, civility, tolerance, and work ethics. All factors that contribute to the development of citizenship and strong communities. People who feel more connected to others, tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Active participation in social life can have a tremendous effect on individual’s mental and emotional health. Frequent participation in group activities, is not only protective against the development of depression in healthy adults but also boosts recovery and reduces the risk of relapse to those who have a history of depression. On the contrary, isolation and prolong feelings of loneliness are associated with lack of meaning and purpose in life, which have a negative effect on physical health, social adjustment and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, individuals who form strong bonds with others seems to have higher self-esteem, are more empathetic towards others, are less suspicious, are more open, trusting and willing to cooperate. As a consequence, others seems to be more open in trusting and cooperating with them, which has a plethora of positive effects in both personal and professional life.
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