People who drink moderately tend to have a richer social network. Previous research suggests moderate drinking can lower the risk of developing and dying from heart disease and stroke. Likewise, moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. A new survey by Oxford University found that drinking in the pub with friends improves overall well-being.
Although various studies suggest that alcohol consumption can cause health risks. However, the study suggests that people who drank regularly at their local were found to be happier. They found more satisfied with their lives. According to scientists, drinking in the pub may play an important role in improving social cohesion. It triggers endorphins, which increase happiness and promote bonding.
Professor Robin Dunbar said, “This study showed that frequenting a local pub can directly affect peoples’ social network size and how engaged they are with their local community, which in turn can affect how satisfied they feel in life.“
“Our social networks provide us with the single most important buffer against mental and physical illness.”
Pubs are place that plays a role as a place for community socializing. And there is the alcohol’s role that triggers the endorphin system, which promotes social bonding. The pubs are often adopted by large social communities as a ritual like dancing, singing, and storytelling.
Scientists involved data from three different studies. The first study involves a questionnaire-based round of pub clientele. In the second study, scientists observe the conversational behavior in pubs. In the third study, the researchers looked at whether the frequency of alcohol consumption or the type of venue affected peoples’ social experiences and well-being.
The study showed that those who drank at local pubs tended to socialize in smaller groups. People who have a ‘local’ that they visit regularly tend to feel more socially engaged and contented. They are more likely to trust other members of their community.
That means pubs play an essential role in offering a social environment to enjoy a drink with friends in a responsible, supervised community setting.
Colin Valentine said, “Personal wellbeing and happiness have a massive impact not only on individual lives but on communities as a whole. It will be of no surprise to CAMRA members that pubs play such a pivotal role in a person’s wellbeing, but it is fantastic news to hear that.“
Journal Reference
- R. I. M. Dunbar, Jacques Launay, Rafael Wlodarski, Cole Robertson, Eiluned Pearce, James Carney & Pádraig MacCarron, Functional Benefits of (Modest) Alcohol Consumption. Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology. 3, 118–133 (2017). DOI: 10.1007/s40750-016-0058-4