Wednesday 22/04/2026
Photo: Katarina Wolnik Vera
Text: Teresa Fernández
Every April 23rd, Catalonia celebrates Sant Jordi, a tradition that combines books and roses as symbols of love, culture, and connection. In a time when relationships are increasingly mediated by technology, this celebration invites us to reflect on the quality of our connections and their impact on mental health.
Recent research highlights that the quality of interpersonal relationships is one of the most important factors for psychological well-being. Close, secure, and meaningful relationships are associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, as well as better emotion regulation (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2023; Reis et al., 2022).
At the same time, there is a growing trend toward more superficial interactions, particularly in digital environments.
When Being Connected Does Not Mean Feeling Connected
Having many social interactions does not necessarily translate into a sense of connection. In fact, recent studies suggest that superficial interactions can increase feelings of emotional emptiness, especially when they replace deeper relationships (Lieberman et al., 2023).
A distinction is made between quantity and quality of relationships. While quantity refers to the number of interactions, quality involves intimacy, trust, and emotional support—factors consistently linked to well-being (Reis et al., 2022).
In this sense, celebrations like Sant Jordi offer an opportunity to reconnect in a more meaningful way.
The Emotional Value of Small Gestures
Giving a book or a rose may seem simple, but it carries strong emotional and symbolic meaning. Acts of kindness and affection, even small ones, are associated with increased well-being and life satisfaction (Aknin et al., 2023).
Importantly, these gestures benefit not only the receiver but also the giver. Prosocial behaviors activate reward-related systems and enhance positive emotions, strengthening social bonds (Curry et al., 2022).
Secure Relationships and Emotion Regulation
Close relationships also play a key role in emotion regulation. Feeling understood and supported helps individuals manage distress more effectively and reduces emotional intensity (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2023).
From a psychological perspective, secure relationships act as a foundation for coping with challenges and navigating the world. Investing in meaningful relationships is therefore not only social, but also a form of emotional self-care.
Some Ideas to Cultivate More Meaningful Connections
Beyond a single day like Sant Jordi, it is possible to actively improve the quality of our relationships. Evidence-based strategies include:
- Prioritizing quality over quantity (Reis et al., 2022)
- Being fully present in interactions
- Expressing affection through small gestures (Aknin et al., 2023)
- Practicing active listening
- Reducing digital distractions
Ultimately, Sant Jordi reminds us that, beyond immediacy and superficiality, meaningful connections remain a cornerstone of psychological well-being.
References:
- Aknin, L. B., Dunn, E. W., & Norton, M. I. (2023). Prosocial spending and well being: Cross-cultural evidence. Nature Human Behaviour, 7, 147–156.
- Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., et al. (2022). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on well-being. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 101, 104323.
- Holt-Lunstad, J. (2023). Social connection as a public health issue: The evidence and a systemic framework for prioritizing the “social” in social determinants of health. Annual Review of Public Health, 44, 193–213.
- Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., & Crockett, M. J. (2023). Social connection and brain function: Implications for well-being. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 27(4), 315–328.
- Reis, H. T., O’Keefe, S. D., & Lane, R. D. (2022). Interpersonal processes and well being: The importance of connection. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 31(1), 17–23.