Figure 2.

A graphic summary of how promoting positive social connection can affect the cascading response to stress. By improving resilience and thereby buffering the response to stressors, positive social connection diminishes the subsequent pathophysiology (in yellow). Positive interpersonal connection is also associated with greater engagement of the patient, such that behaviors, including medication adherence, can improve. At a minimum, the vicious cycle is attenuated and potentially allows for the induction of a (more) virtuous cycle, as indicated in yellow.