London - It is the scientific research that will provide men with the perfect excuse to join their mates in the pub.
A leading psychologist claims men’s health and well-being are greatly improved if they see their friends twice a week.
Professor Robin Dunbar of Oxford University claims in a report that while “talking with mates” on a daily basis is valuable, to experience the real benefits of friendship men must meet up in person twice a week with four friends and “do stuff”.
Recommended activities range from playing football or rugby to simply sharing a joke in the pub over a pint of beer.
The report says that men who maintain social groups are healthier, recover from illness more quickly and tend to be more generous. Despite the findings, two out of five men claim they manage to meet their friends only once a week and a further third struggle to catch up that frequently.
Men spend one fifth of their day socially interacting with people from their network of around 150 “acquaintances”, mainly through online social media, text and phone conversations.
However, the research proves men need actually to get together in person to prevent the quality of their friendships eroding and, more importantly, experience the benefits associated with strong male bonds.
Men, on average, spend just under half of their social time with an inner circle of four to five close mates – and research suggests that this is linked directly to the banter that such a group inspires and its benefits.
Through empirical studies, it has been proven that laughter is much less likely to occur if a social circle becomes bigger than five – and, because of laughter’s ability to produce the endorphin surges that give a sense of well-being, men may be subconsciously drawn towards “hanging out” in social circles of this size.
Professor Dunbar, whose report was commissioned by Guinness, said: “Bonds can be formed through a range of activities from team sports to male banter – or simply having a pint with your pals on a Friday night. However, the key to maintaining strong friendships is to meet up twice a week and do stuff with the four people closest to you.”
Stephen O’Kelly, from Guinness, said: “When guys get together physically and more frequently with their mates, their friendships become stronger, better and a richer life results.”
The writer Danny Wallace said: “Science is telling us to have more fun together and do more stuff. This is great news, for we must obey science.”
The mental health charity Mind has warned that men can be hit by depression because of worries about money and job insecurity. Long working hours can also have a dramatic impact on men, but spending time with friends is considered a key part of combating depression. - Daily Mail