Join a Group, Club, or Class

Belonging to a shared-interest group is one of the more effective ways to build connection and reduce loneliness.

Beta content. Evidence for this dimension is still developing; grade is conservative and will be upgraded as more research is reviewed.

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Evidence suggests…

Evidence suggests group-based, shared-identity activities are among the more promising ways to build connection, with support from both RCTs (Groups 4 Health) and meta-analysis. We grade B: several trials are small or non-randomized, and effects vary by group type and fit. The mechanism, gaining a sense of shared identity and belonging, is consistently implicated.

1 group with regular (e.g., weekly) participation varies by group beginner in-person or online

Build new relationships around shared interestsGain a sense of group belonginggeneral-adultsolder-adultsyoung-adultsnew-to-area

4 ordered steps with their dose, from Join & Belong.

Common misconceptions

Myth: you should already know people to join. Reality: groups exist precisely to meet new people.
Myth: any group works equally. Reality: shared identity and genuine interest predict benefit.

What we won't claim

Do not present this practice as a treatment or cure for clinical depression, anxiety disorders, or diagnosable loneliness-related conditions
Do not claim it replaces professional mental-health care
Do not promise it will prevent disease or extend lifespan for any individual

When to seek a professional

Persistent loneliness or isolation accompanied by low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest, or withdrawal lasting 2+ weeks → encourage contact with a primary care provider or mental health professional
Thoughts of self-harm or that life is not worth living → direct to crisis line / emergency services immediately
Social anxiety severe enough to prevent all group participation despite wanting connection → consider professional support

Key sources (5), grade mix A:3 · B:2 · C:0

Every source below carries its own grade and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.

AN. Morrish, S. Choudhury, A. Medina-Lara (2023) · BMC Public Health · 10.1186/s12889-023-17097-2

ANiklas K. Steffens, Crystal Jasmine La Rue, C. Haslam, Zoe C Walter, T. Cruwys, K. Munt, S. Alexander Haslam, J. Jetten, M. Tarrant (2019) · Health Psychology Review · 10.1080/17437199.2019.1669481

AChase O. Staras, J. Wakefield, Daragh T. McDermott, Bethany A. Jones (2024) · Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology · 10.1002/casp.2878

BC. Haslam, T. Cruwys, Melissa Xue-Ling Chang, Sarah V. Bentley, S. Alexander, Haslam, G. Dingle, J. Jetten (2019) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · 10.1037/ccp0000427

BC. Haslam, T. Cruwys, S. Haslam, G. Dingle, Melissa Xue-Ling Chang (2016) · Journal of Affective Disorders · 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.010

✓Explore all 367 studies in Social →

The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its grade and DOI.