Table 3.

Conceptualization of potential risk to mental and physical health according to distribution across the level of social connection components

Risk level	Structure	Function	Quality	Description
Optimal‐low risk	High	High	High	Large and varied social network, with regular social contact with people who can be relied upon for support and assistance when needed. These include deep and meaningful relationships characterized by caring and compassionate interactions.
Low‐moderate risk	High	High	Low	Large and varied network, with regular contact among people who can be counted upon for support. However, these relationships are strained and/or lack depth, and interactions are void of caring or compassion.
	High	Low	High	Large and varied network, with regular social contact with meaningful and high‐quality relationships. However, these are not able or available to provide support or assistance when needed.
	Low	High	High	Small social network and infrequent contact. However, the limited social contact is among those who can be relied upon for support, perhaps strangers or volunteers. Nonetheless, it is caring and compassionate.
Moderate‐severe risk	High	Low	Low	Large and varied social network, and regular contact with others. However, they cannot be relied upon for support. These are strained relationships and interactions, with a lack of caring and compassion.
	Low	High	Low	Small social network and limited social contact with others. Support is available and provided by others, perhaps by strangers or volunteers; however, it lacks depth, is accompanied by strain, or lacks caring and compassion.
	Low	Low	High	Small social network and limited social contact with others. It is not possible to rely upon others for support. However, the limited social contact is caring and compassionate.
Severe risk	Low	Low	Low	Small social network and little social contact. There is no one to rely upon. What little social contact does occur is strained or lacks caring and compassion.