psyche

Social Function Improvement

Social Function Improvement focuses on a psyche-related outcome, offering a concise starting point for exploring this effect.

1Supplements
37Practices

These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

38 options:12 some evidence4 mixed12 not enough evidence2 not tested in people5 personal stories only3 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 21 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Reviews describe improvements in social and general well-being, including higher scores on measures of social functioning and quality of life. The findings are from people with Depression, and do not give a numerical estimate of the change.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) page
PsychotherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 7 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A meta-analysis pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies found improved social skills with DMP compared with controls among 93 people in its social-skills analysis.
Open the Psychotherapy page
Gardening TherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 7 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2025 meta-analysis pooling randomized trials involving 960 people reported an effect on social function. A 2022 meta-analysis of randomized trials also reported better emotional functioning, well-being, subjective social functioning, and quality of life among older adults.
Open the Gardening Therapy page
SwimmingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Swimming page
YogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A review reported improved self-reported social functioning, emotional role functioning, and mental health in the yoga group among 51 people. A 2025 randomized trial also found improvement in social relatedness and adaptability within the intervention group among 40 people.
Open the Yoga page
QigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2021 meta-analysis of randomized trials found improved social well-being among 311 people in its analysis. A 2023 quasi-experimental study also reported improved social functioning in 52 people with back pain.
Open the Qigong page
MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found increased mother-infant attachment scores; 80 people were included in this outcome’s analysis. A review also described clients reporting positive changes in interpersonal safety, bodily sensation, boundary setting, and bodily shame.
Open the Massage page
Jump Rope TrainingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Jump Rope Training page

Expressive WritingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 6 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
Open the Expressive Writing page
Social DancingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
5 of 6 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A review reported improved social interaction and enjoyment among residents and care staff. Qualitative accounts also described enjoyment and the ways social and physical facilitation helped people take part in activities.
Open the Social Dancing page
Hatha YogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial of 122 people reported better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time among yoga participants. A review of pooled randomized and non-randomized human studies also described gains in emotional well-being and reductions in antisocial behavior.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
Ice Bath / Cold PlungepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a one-time survey study.
Open the Ice Bath / Cold Plunge page
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)practiceMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
9 of 12 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) page
DancepracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
17 of 19 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Among children and adolescents with autism, a pooled analysis of randomized trials found improved social skills in 312 people; the negative score change reflects improvement because higher scores indicate greater impairment. Another pooled analysis including randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a similar direction of change in 93 people.
Open the Dance page
MeditationpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
11 of 14 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Meditation page
Mindfulness MeditationpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
10 of 13 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found improved social responsiveness among 164 children with autism. A separate trial reported increased perceived social support after MBSR among people with breast cancer or hypertension, though findings across studies were not consistent.
Open the Mindfulness Meditation page
PilatespracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
4 of 5 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Pilates page
Gratitude JournalpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In a randomized trial involving 414 adolescents, the gratitude curriculum and gratitude journal groups reported higher levels of defending behavior than the control group. A separate randomized trial involving 100 people found that words including “thank you” and “colleague” were associated with the gratitude journal group.
Open the Gratitude Journal page
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 25 people found a trivial change in social functioning. In a separate trial of 90 people, the HIIT group had a social-function score 23.93 points higher.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) page
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
6 of 8 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A quasi-experimental study involving 159 people found loneliness scores fell from 10.52 to 8.77 on a scale where higher scores indicate more loneliness.
Open the Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) page
Latin Dance FitnesspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2020 trial of 65 participants reported an 8.8-point difference in social functioning for the DF group. In another trial, the Zumba group reported higher social-function quality-of-life scores than the control group at 3 months.
Open the Latin Dance Fitness page
Laughter Yoga / TherapypracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2024 trial in 208 people with metabolic syndrome found a statistically significant difference in collegiality scores. Findings conflict: a 2022 trial found no significant increase in social functioning or mental component summary scores of health-related quality of life.
Open the Laughter Yoga / Therapy page
Tai ChipracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 trial of 88 people reported improved social-functioning scores on the SF-36. In a 2024 quasi-experimental study, older adults who were moderately or severely lonely at baseline had mean decreases of 1.13 and 1.58 points, respectively, on the loneliness measure.
Open the Tai Chi page
CyclingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Cycling page
BreathworkpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 randomized trial of 90 people found improved scores on the social dysfunction subscale after both online and brochure-based interventions. Participants in a separate qualitative study described the shared experience as helpful when mobility was limited.
Open the Breathwork page
Infrared SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2025 randomized trial involving 30 people with major depressive disorder reported a 13.04-point increase in Social role abilities 4A.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
Mobility TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
A pilot in 20 people found that independence in participation increased by 1.4 out of 40. Findings differ by measure: a randomized controlled trial in 16 people observed increases in home participation while Desired Change remained stable.
Open the Mobility Training page
CardiopracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a narrative review.
A review describes improvements in social cognition, a related social-functioning skill, among people with schizophrenia. A qualitative study also reported that participants felt exercise programs supported social adaptation in daily life.
Open the Cardio page
Finnish SaunapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: an interview study.
In a qualitative study of 11 people, participants described psychological effects extending into daily life, including reduced feelings of isolation, improved mood, pain relief and clearer thought.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: an interview study.
In a qualitative study, several women said the experience improved their relationships. This reflects participants’ descriptions rather than a measured change in social functioning.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page
Hot YogapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Hot Yoga page
FastingpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Fasting page
Focused Attention MeditationpracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Focused Attention Meditation page
Yoga NidrapracticeOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Yoga Nidra page
ChagasupplementOnly personal stories
Only people's own stories online. No study has tested it.
Based on one study.
Open the Chaga page
Brain Games / PuzzlespracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial in 626 participants found no significant impact on the teacher–student relationship, as reported by teachers; the studies did not support a social-function benefit.
Open the Brain Games / Puzzles page
Binaural BeatspracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit.
The proposed link between Binaural Beats and social functioning is theoretical; no human evidence is reported for this effect.
Open the Binaural Beats page
Cupping TherapypracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit. Strongest study: an interview study.
Studies did not support an improvement in social function from Cupping Therapy. In a qualitative study, participants in both groups described positive experiences with social and professional support, rather than an effect attributable specifically to cupping.
Open the Cupping Therapy page

Show all 38

Comparing practices

PsychotherapySome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large6 trials
QigongSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium2 trials
DanceMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium15 trials

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Linked to improving it38 listed

AllSupplementsPractices

Start here

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect21 other sources
Reviews describe improvements in social and general well-being, including higher scores on measures of social functioning and quality of life. The findings are from people with Depression, and do not give a numerical estimate of the change.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Depression
Study result
ACT appeared effective across ... general and social well-being ...
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
→
PracticesPsychotherapyCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect8 other sources
A meta-analysis pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies found improved social skills with DMP compared with controls among 93 people in its social-skills analysis (Hedges' g = −0.97, 95% CI: −1.69 to −0.25).
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Autism Spectrum
Depression
Study result
The meta-analysis revealed a significant overall effect of DMP on social skills (Hedges' g = −0.97, 95% CI: −1.69 to −0.25), indicating substantial improvement compared with control conditions. Because higher scores on commonly used measures such as the Social Responsiveness Scale reflect greater so
Open Psychotherapy
→
PracticesGardening TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect7 other sources
A 2025 meta-analysis pooling randomized trials involving 960 people reported an effect on social function (g = 0.806; 95 % CI: 0.295-1.317). A 2022 meta-analysis of randomized trials also reported better emotional functioning, well-being, subjective social functioning, and quality of life among older adults.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Alzheimers Disease
Cancer
Dementia
Depression
Elderly
Ptsd
Study result
social function (g = 0.806; 95 % CI: 0.295-1.317)
Open Gardening Therapy
→
PracticesSwimmingCertaintyMediumSourceRCT5 other sources
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found aquatic exercise improved social-function scores compared with no intervention (MD = −3.70, 95% CI = (−5.03, −2.37)). A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported improvement in physical, social, psychological, or participation outcomes in 29 of 31 studies, including studies involving Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Autism Spectrum
Cerebral Palsy
Study result
Aquatic exercise [MD = −3.70, 95% CI = (−5.03, −2.37)] was more effective than that with no intervention.
Open Swimming
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCT4 other sources
A review reported improved self-reported social functioning, emotional role functioning, and mental health in the yoga group (P<.05) among 51 people. A 2025 randomized trial also found improvement in social relatedness and adaptability within the intervention group (*p* = 0.008; between-group p=0.041) among 40 people.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel
Frozen Shoulder
Herniated Disc
Neck Pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis
+1 more
Study result
Self-reported quality of life (P<.05), social functioning (P<.05), emotional role functioning (P<.05), mental health significantly improved for yoga group (P<.05) (Cramer et al 2013).
Open Yoga
→
PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effect3 other sources
A 2021 meta-analysis of randomized trials found improved social well-being among 311 people in its analysis. A 2023 quasi-experimental study also reported improved social functioning in 52 people with back pain.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Back Pain
Study result
QE could improve social well-being (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.15, p = 0.04)
Open Qigong
→
PracticesMassageCertaintyMediumSourceRCT3 other sources
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found increased mother-infant attachment scores; 80 people were included in this outcome’s analysis. A review also described clients reporting positive changes in interpersonal safety, bodily sensation, boundary setting, and bodily shame.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
There was a significant increase in the level of mother-infant attachment [SMD = 2.83, 95% CI (2.31 to 3.35), P < 0.0001]; measured with the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) and Maternal Attachment Behavior Scale (MABS).
Open Massage
→

Medium probability(9)

PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceRCT3 other sources
An RCT of 1,386 participants found higher reported autonomy and parent-relationship levels in the experimental group. In another RCT, the experimental group had higher individual cooperation rates than the control group, with MD 22.96 percentage points of trials.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Depression
Study result
the experimental group reported higher levels of autonomy and parent relationships
Open Jump Rope Training
→
PracticesDanceCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings20 other sources
Among children and adolescents with autism, a pooled analysis of randomized trials found improved social skills in 312 people; the negative score change reflects improvement because higher scores indicate greater impairment (SMD = −1.96, 95% CI: −2.63 to −1.28, p < 0.00001). Another pooled analysis including randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a similar direction of change in 93 people.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
ADHD
Autism Spectrum
Cancer
Dementia
Depression
Study result
dance activities effectively improved social skill impairments in children and adolescents with autism [SMD = −1.96, 95% CI: −2.63 to −1.28, p < 0.00001]; scores were reversed so lower values indicate greater skill (SRS)
Open Dance
→
PracticesMeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effectconflicting findings15 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found improved social responsiveness among 164 children with autism (SMD = −0.35, 95% CI (−0.66, −0.04), p = 0.03); lower scores on that measure indicate less impairment. A separate pooled analysis of randomized trials found no significant effect (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.16, 0.29], p = 0.57), so the findings disagree.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
ADHD
Anxiety Disorder
Breast Cancer
Depression
Study result
MBIs significantly enhanced the social responsiveness of children with autism [SMD = −0.35, 95% CI (−0.66, −0.04), p = 0.03]; social responsiveness was measured with the SRS-2 (higher scores indicate greater impairment, so a decrease is improvement).
Open Meditation
→
PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effectconflicting findings14 other sources
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found improved social responsiveness among 164 children with autism. A separate trial reported increased perceived social support after MBSR among people with breast cancer or hypertension, though findings across studies were not consistent.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Breast Cancer
Hypertension
Study result
MBIs significantly enhanced the social responsiveness of children with autism [SMD = −0.35, 95% CI (−0.66, −0.04), p = 0.03] (SRS-2)
Open Mindfulness Meditation
→
PracticesLoving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)CertaintyMediumSourceClinical13 other sources
A randomized trial of 512 people found greater reported empathic care in the loving-kindness group than in the control group. In another trial of 398 people, reported connectedness to others was higher during loving-kindness meditation than during the comparison meditation (MD -0.721 points).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Ptsd
Study result
participants in the LKM intervention reported significantly greater empathic care compared to those in the control condition, F(1, 340) = 15.96, p < .001, ηp2 = 0.05
Open Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)
→
PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical6 other sources
A review pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies reported improved satisfaction with colleagues, both within the expressive writing group and in post-test comparisons with controls. A case series of 4 people also reported an increase in total SSIS-SEL score (β = 6.00, 95% CI [1.18, 10.82], p = 0.02, Cohen's dz = 1.32).
Who was studied
People with a condition
ADHD
Breast Cancer
Study result
Tonarelli et al. reported a significant improvement in satisfaction with colleagues, both within the EW group (chi2 = 14.000, p = 0.016) and in post-test comparisons with controls (U = 232, p = 0.001).
Open Expressive Writing
→
PracticesSocial DancingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical7 other sources
A review reported improved social interaction and enjoyment among residents and care staff. Qualitative accounts also described enjoyment and the ways social and physical facilitation helped people take part in activities.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Dementia
Multiple Sclerosis
Study result
social interaction and enjoyment in both residents and care staff improved
Open Social Dancing
→
PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
A randomized trial of 122 people reported better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time among yoga participants. A review of pooled randomized and non-randomized human studies also described gains in emotional well-being and reductions in antisocial behavior.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Depression
Study result
the yoga group showed greater gains in emotional well-being and reductions in antisocial behavior, together with improved attention and impulse control
Open Hatha Yoga
→
PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyMediumSourceClinical3 other sources
A 2025 cross-sectional study of 1,233 people associated 2 cold-water immersions per 1 week with lower social-dysfunction scores (B=-1.061, 95% CI [-1.460, -0.598], p=0.007). A 2024 cross-sectional study of 231 people also reported lower scores in the cold-water immersion group than in the control group (6.53 ± 2.74 versus 7.40 ± 2.39; p<0.001).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
GHQ-28 social dysfunction: 2 CWIs per 1 week B=-1.061, 95% CI [-1.460, -0.598], p=0.007 (Table 3).
Open Ice Bath / Cold Plunge
→

Low probability(19)

PracticesPilatesCertaintyLowSourceRCT5 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small improvement in social functioning. A 2025 trial reported higher post-intervention scores in the experimental group than in the control group (96.69 ± 10.71 vs. 82.46 ± 14.82).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Diabetes Type2
Menopause
Study result
significant effects in favor of Pilates exercises vs control groups ... social functioning (SMD = 0.45)
Open Pilates
→
PracticesGratitude JournalCertaintyLowSourceRCT4 other sources
In a randomized trial involving 414 adolescents, the gratitude curriculum and gratitude journal groups reported higher levels of defending behavior than the control group. A separate randomized trial involving 100 people found that words including “thank you” and “colleague” were associated with the gratitude journal group.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Stroke Recovery
Study result
the gratitude curriculum (p = 0.001) and gratitude journal groups (p = 0.040) reported significantly higher levels of defending behavior than the control group (Adolescent Defending Behaviors Questionnaire, 5-point Likert)
Open Gratitude Journal
→
PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyLowSourceRCTTrivial effect3 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 25 people found a trivial change in social functioning. In a separate trial of 90 people, the HIIT group had a social-function score 23.93 points higher.
How big is the effect
Trivial effectReal in studies, but too small for most people to notice.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Diabetes Type2
Heart Disease
Study result
SF (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI 0.00~0.35, Z = 1.98, P = 0.048)
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
→
PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyLowSourceRCTconflicting findings3 other sources
A 2024 trial in 208 people with metabolic syndrome found a statistically significant difference in collegiality scores. Findings conflict: a 2022 trial found no significant increase in social functioning or mental component summary scores of health-related quality of life.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Metabolic Syndrome
Study result
there was a statistically significant difference in the scores for the ... collegiality subscales
Open Laughter Yoga / Therapy
→
PracticesForest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)CertaintyLowSourceClinical8 other sources
A quasi-experimental study involving 159 people found loneliness scores fell from 10.52 to 8.77 on a scale where higher scores indicate more loneliness (Cohen's d_rm = 0.33; B = -1.850, p < 0.001).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Anxiety Disorder
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Copd
Depression
Hypertension
+1 more
Study result
Sociality (2 studies): ##; Social competence (3 studies): ##
Open Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
→
PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2020 trial of 65 participants reported an 8.8-point difference in social functioning for the DF group. In another trial, the Zumba group reported higher social-function quality-of-life scores than the control group at 3 months.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Menopause
Study result
DF group: MD = 8.8 ± 3.4, p = 0.014
Open Latin Dance Fitness
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
A 2025 trial of 88 people reported improved social-functioning scores on the SF-36. In a 2024 quasi-experimental study, older adults who were moderately or severely lonely at baseline had mean decreases of 1.13 and 1.58 points, respectively, on the loneliness measure.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in... social functioning... as reflected in the scores of the... social functioning domain of the SF-36 (p<0.05)
Open Tai Chi
→
PracticesCyclingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a randomized trial, cooperation after synchronous cycling was higher than before (65.90 ± 37.53 versus 40.45 ± 32.71; interaction F_(1, 38) = 4.15, p = 0.049). A review also described social connection, belonging and peer support among themes reported by participants in cycling studies.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
For the average cooperation rate, there was a significant interaction effect (F_(1, 38) = 4.15, p = 0.049), and the cooperation rate after synchronous cycling exercise (65.90 ± 37.53) significantly higher than before (40.45 ± 32.71).
Open Cycling
→
PracticesBreathworkCertaintyLowSourceClinicalLarge effect2 other sources
A 2025 randomized trial of 90 people found improved scores on the social dysfunction subscale after both online and brochure-based interventions. Participants in a separate qualitative study described the shared experience as helpful when mobility was limited.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
GHQ-28 social dysfunction subscale: Online Cohen's d = 1.273 (95% CI = 0.786, 1.761); Brochure Cohen's d = 1.43 (95% CI = 0.885, 1.974)
Open Breathwork
→
PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
A 2025 randomized trial involving 30 people with major depressive disorder reported a 13.04-point increase in Social role abilities 4A.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Major Depressive Disorder
Study result
Social role abilities 4A: 13.04 (2.36)***
Open Infrared Sauna
→
PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A pilot in 20 people found that independence in participation increased by 1.4 out of 40 (95% CI 0.0 to 2.8, p=0.04). Findings differ by measure: a randomized controlled trial in 16 people observed increases in home participation while Desired Change remained stable.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Independence in participation increased (MD 1.4 out of 40, 95% CI 0.0 to 2.8, p=0.04)
Open Mobility Training
→
PracticesCardioCertaintyLowSourceReview2 other sources
A review describes improvements in social cognition, a related social-functioning skill, among people with schizophrenia. A qualitative study also reported that participants felt exercise programs supported social adaptation in daily life.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Schizophrenia
Study result
AE has been shown to improve social cognition, a related social functioning skill, in individuals with schizophrenia, as was confirmed in meta-analyses and reviews.
Open Cardio
→
PracticesHot YogaCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 3 of 312 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 425 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesFocused Attention MeditationCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 6 of 237 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesYoga NidraCertaintyLowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 2 of 298 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesBinaural BeatsCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical2 other sources
The proposed link between Binaural Beats and social functioning is theoretical; no human evidence is reported for this effect.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Open Binaural Beats
→
PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical1 other source
In a qualitative study of 11 people, participants described psychological effects extending into daily life, including reduced feelings of isolation, improved mood, pain relief and clearer thought.
Study result
Reported psychological effects extended beyond sauna sessions into daily life, including improved mood, pain relief, clarity of thought, and reduced feelings of isolation.
Open Finnish Sauna
→
PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical1 other source
In a qualitative study, several women said the experience improved their relationships. This reflects participants’ descriptions rather than a measured change in social functioning.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Hypertension
Study result
Several women felt improved relationship by the experience.
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
→

Very low probability(3)

PracticesBrain Games / PuzzlesCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical1 other source
A randomized trial in 626 participants found no significant impact on the teacher–student relationship, as reported by teachers; the studies did not support a social-function benefit.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Brain Games / Puzzles
→
SupplementsChagaCertaintyVery lowSourceAnecdotal1 other source
This effect was mentioned in 4 of 229 Reddit reports discussing it.
→
PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyVery lowSourceTheoretical1 other source
Studies did not support an improvement in social function from Cupping Therapy. In a qualitative study, participants in both groups described positive experiences with social and professional support, rather than an effect attributable specifically to cupping.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Back Pain
Open Cupping Therapy
→

Practices compared

Practices with at least one trial of their own for this goal. Ranked by how sure the evidence is, then effect size.Top 10 of 25

Practice	How sure	Effect size	Own trials	What worked in trials
Psychotherapy	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	6 trials or pooled analyses	1×/week · 10–16 weeks
Dance	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Moderate effect	15 trials or pooled analyses	40–60 min · 2–2.8×/week · 6–12 weeks
Qigong	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Moderate effect	2 trials or pooled analyses
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Small effect	15 trials or pooled analyses	90–120 min · 1×/week · 3–8 weeks
Meditation	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Small effect	9 trials or pooled analyses	3–90 min · 1–7×/week · 3–8 weeks
Mindfulness Meditation	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Small effect	8 trials or pooled analyses	90–120 min · 1–6×/week · 8 weeks
Gardening Therapy	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Small effect	6 trials or pooled analyses
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		6 trials or pooled analyses	3–29 min · 3×/week · 4–8 weeks
Swimming	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT		4 trials or pooled analyses	2.5–2.8×/week · 15–16 weeks
Hatha Yoga	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical		3 trials or pooled analyses	8–9 weeks

What worked in trials: From the smallest to the typical amount in the trials that found this benefit. Not the most anyone did, not a target and not a limit.

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

Social Function Improvement is a psyche-related outcome describing positive change in social engagement, connection, or functioning with others. A person may notice less loneliness or feel better able to participate in social life. It is an outcome category rather than a diagnosis, and findings linked to Tai Chi, Swimming, Yoga, or Ashwagandha do not necessarily apply equally to every person or situation.

How interventions help

Social function improvement has been studied across several types of intervention, including movement practices, aquatic exercise, journaling, cold exposure, and supplements. The non-supplement approaches differ in how they are practiced: Yoga was associated with a greater reduction in loneliness over time, while Gratitude Journal was linked with behavioral changes involving gratitude and motivation to give back. Cycling findings involved cooperation after synchronous exercise, illustrating that some outcomes were assessed immediately around an activity rather than after a prolonged course.

Supplement findings generally involved repeated use over weeks or months, although the time frame varied. Ashwagandha was studied at 300 mg twice daily for 12 weeks, Saffron Extract at 30 mg/day for 8 weeks, and Lemon Balm (Melissa) at 1200 mg/day for 3 months. Quercetin was assessed over 24 weeks, with lower scores reported at 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Other findings used a single or acute exposure: Tryptophan was studied at 200 mg as an acute single dose with an immediate onset category. These differences mean that results from one intervention should not be assumed to apply to another with a different duration or pattern of use.

The populations also vary. Studies included healthy participants, people with clinical conditions, mixed populations, and groups whose health status was not specified. Some findings therefore may not transfer directly across these settings. For several interventions, whether an effect continues after stopping was not established, and daily use was not consistently required in the studies. Overall, the evidence describes multiple possible routes to change in social functioning, but the practical schedule and relevance depend on the intervention and the population studied.

Choosing guidance

Choose an option according to the kind of evidence and time frame that fits your goal. Tai Chi, Swimming, Yoga, Ashwagandha, Saffron Extract, Lemon Balm (Melissa), Quercetin, Cycling, Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and Meditation have human study evidence, but they were examined in different populations and settings. Options studied in a clinical-condition context include Tai Chi and Ice Bath / Cold Plunge, while Yoga included mixed health statuses, Gratitude Journal was studied in healthy participants, and Cycling was studied in healthy participants. The relevance may therefore depend on how closely your circumstances match those studied.

If you prefer an approach evaluated over a defined period, Ashwagandha, Saffron Extract, Lemon Balm (Melissa), Resveratrol, Quercetin, and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) were assessed over weeks or months. Tryptophan was examined after an acute single dose, while several community-report entries describe effects as immediate or appearing over days. These timing categories describe when an effect was reported or assessed, not a guarantee of how quickly it will occur for an individual.

Be more cautious when comparing options supported mainly by anecdotal or theoretical evidence, because those reports do not establish the same level of human evidence as controlled clinical research. Omega-3 also has conflicting evidence, so it may be a less straightforward choice despite being examined across multiple conditions. Options with no human evidence identified are not well suited to someone seeking conclusions based on human studies. Overall, match the option to the studied population, the expected time frame, and whether the evidence is consistent rather than relying on the intervention name alone.