Lydia Denworth: The Evolution, Biology & Power of Friendship

The formation & maintenance of friendships as well as the emotional turmoil related to the rupture of friendships are common sources of clinical discussion in psychotherapy.  Award-winning science journalist, author and speaker Lydia Denworth joins us for a discussion of major themes explored in her latest book Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond.  In this discussion we cover: 

• the definition of friendship
• relevant findings from animal, neuroscience & genetic research findings that speak to our evolved  “social brain” and why we may be so predisposed to friendship  
• the impact of social impoverishment and loneliness on health 
• the stability of friendships across the lifespan and barriers to reconnection when a friendship has faded
• "digital" friendships and the benefits of in-person contact with those we care about 
• potential perceptions around the value of friendships post the COVID-19 pandemic
• factors that predict robust, mutually rewarding friendships
• a brief description of the major friendship styles: acquisitive, independent & discerning
• the importance of various forms of vulnerability in forming & maintaining friendships
• a critical consideration of conventional wisdom around how male and female friendships differ e.g., men activity-based vs. women support-based
• Lydia addresses the age old question of whether men and women can truly be friends 
• self-awareness as a tool to enhance the quality of our contribution to friendships

Lydia Denworth is an award-winning science journalist and speaker. She is a contributing editor at Scientific American and the author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond. Among other accolades, Adam Grant called Friendship one of the 20 best leadership books of 2020 and Booklist said it represented “the best of science writing.” The book’s message about the importance of connection was more relevant than ever during our pandemic year of disconnection. Lydia has also written two other books of popular science, I Can Hear You Whisper and Toxic Truth, and her work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Times, Salon, and many other publications.

https://lydiadenworth.com