A black and white image shows four friends embracing with excitement

Blog

Yes, having more friends is better

Daniel A. Cox August 9, 2021

ur recent work shows that all Americans—men and women alike—benefit when they develop intimate and emotionally supportive connections with their friends. But quantity matters too. Continue Reading →

In a parking lot against a pale blue sky and dark blue metal wall, two young women laugh and smile while one sits inside of a shopping cart while the other pushes the cart.

Blog

What matters for living a fulfilling life

Daniel A. Cox July 29, 2021

The June American Perspectives Survey offers some clues as to what Americans believe is truly necessary for living a full and rewarding life. Continue Reading →

Just-married couple gets off a party bus while bridal party celebrates them

Commentary

Can married men and women be friends? Marriage, friendship, and loneliness

Daniel A. Cox July 20, 2021

The time we invest on our relationships, whether it is with a partner, spouse, or a friend, is likely the most important thing we can do to ensure a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Continue Reading →

Silhouette of a young man standing outside an apartment window

Commentary

American men suffer a friendship recession

Daniel A. Cox July 6, 2021

After a prolonged period of social isolation, Americans are dusting off their social calendars. But as Americans try to rebuild and reconnect, a new survey conducted by the Survey Center on American Life finds that the social landscape is far less favorable than it once was. Continue Reading →

A young man sits alone on a bench while reading a book.

Blog

Men’s social circles are shrinking

Daniel A. Cox June 29, 2021

As the pandemic recedes, the American economy will recover. Most businesses will adapt, evolve, and ultimately thrive. The future of American social life looks much bleaker. Continue Reading →

COVID-19 vaccination stickers sit in waiting during the Columbus Public Health drop-in clinic at Stonewall Columbus in the Short

Commentary

Peer pressure, not politics, may matter most when it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Daniel A. Cox June 29, 2021

Americans experience widely different levels of social pressure to get the COVID-19 vaccine. And for better or worse, our friends exercise considerable influence over the information we have and the decisions we make. Continue Reading →

An older man sits on a bench in a park as a group of young runners go by.

Blog

Is Social Isolation Hampering the Vaccine Rollout?

Daniel A. Cox June 23, 2021

Americans who are socially disconnected report far lower vaccination rates and may ultimately prove to be an important impediment. Continue Reading →

Blog

What does it mean to be a best friend?

Daniel A. Cox June 8, 2021

American friendships have come under considerable stress over the past year, but even in the wake of a global pandemic, most Americans still have at least one close friend. In fact, 87 percent of Americans have one or more close friends. These close friendships are critical to our wellbeing. Americans who have a close friendship Continue Reading →

3 friends having coffee time on a terrace

Survey report

The state of American friendship: Change, challenges, and loss

Daniel A. Cox June 8, 2021

The May 2021 American Perspectives Survey finds that Americans report having fewer close friendships than they once did, talking to their friends less often, and relying less on their friends for personal support. Continue Reading →

Blog

Why public support for transgender rights is likely to grow

Daniel A. Cox May 13, 2021

Public understanding of transgender policies will increasingly be informed not by news reports or political rhetoric, but through personal interactions with the people immediately affected by them. Continue Reading →