This past Tuesday afternoon, the Etown Psychology club hosted a presentation by junior Tainan Nunes. Titled “Start With Human Connections,” the lecture was a deep dive into the importance of meaningful human connection and intentional, quality relationships in a technological and prescription-obsessed world that is currently starved of them. Nunes, a self-professed lover of quotes, closed the lecture with a variety of quotes from philosophers, psychologists and other notable figures. However, what best sums up the lecture is a quote from the speaker himself: “Life with loved ones is hard, but life without loved ones is harder.”
Nunes is an organizational leadership major here on campus, an individualized major involving business administration, psychology and even education. These studies, and Nunes’ knowledge of the topics, were reflected in the presentation which began with a quite bold reinstating of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Instead of physiological needs first, Nunes asserted that love and belonging- the tier of friendship, family, intimacy and connection- should be the first, foundational need.
The rest of the lecture followed this trend, taking well-known psychological studies or public figures and revealing within them or their story the essential nature of human connection. While not disavowing serious diagnoses or treatments, the presentation also illuminated the restorative force of “third spaces,” or what Nunes inventively calls “connection points.” These spaces include church, a community garden, a fitness group or school club.
These connection points are essential, a place to find others to make friends with, confide in and challenge. According to the studies presented, these meaningful connections with others improve mental fitness and wellbeing, helping to break addictions and improve one’s own self worth.
Each table in the audience was also able to participate in several activities. In one such activity, one person from each table was isolated while the other members of the table were given time to talk, socialize and exchange jokes. Afterwards, Nunes asked each isolated person questions about how it made them feel. It follows that every member felt anxious, suspicious and self-conscious, but what was truly fascinating was that it revealed on a micro level how long-term loneliness can affect the thoughts and perception of self-worth in those without meaningful connections.
Afterwards, as the attendees began to leave the room, some students stayed, gathering in groups and discussing the lessons that stuck out to them.
“My favorite part was each of the different studies,” sophomore occupational therapy major Claire Grau said. “I was familiar with some of them already, but now I’m leaving, not taking for granted the deep connections I do have.”
With this admission, Grau points out the timeliness of such a discussion amidst the social climate of today, especially post-election when fostering new friendships can feel intimidating or fraught with overthinking.
“Especially in college, it is so easy to prioritize academics or work above friendships,” junior Alysse Smith said. “Especially when some friendships or acquaintances can be so superficial. This talk made me realize even more that intentional relationships are a huge priority!”
If these reactions are any indicator, the discussions and events held through the Etown Psychology club are thought provoking, vulnerable and in Smith’s words, “mind-opening.” The club frequently holds meetings, which are advertised around campus and announced on the group’s Instagram page, @etownpsychclub.
