Social Connection in Immigrants Review - Reviewed Article Citations

Social connection is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of health, yet psychology lacks an understanding of how this relationship operates among immigrants in the United States. Intersecting challenges related to migration-related stressors, discrimination, and exclusionary policies amplify risk and contribute to persistent mental and physical health disparities. To examine the experiences of social connection among first-generation U.S. immigrants and their influence on immigrants’ health and well-being across the lifespan, we reviewed 144 articles published between 2014 and September 2025. Across studies, we observed seven overlapping but inconsistently defined constructs of connection (social networks, social capital, belonging, connectedness, community support, social cohesion, and social ties), highlighting the need for a multidimensional framework. We synthesized study findings into five overarching themes that elucidate how and why social connection matters for immigrants: 1) positive mental and physical health outcomes; 2) access to resources and opportunities; 3) identity affirmation and cultural networks; 4) stress and coping; and 5) immigrant context. To interpret findings, we propose a Social Connection in Immigrants Framework, which integrates constructs and themes and suggests pathways linking social connection to health and well-being. Taken together, our results position social connection as a lever for advancing psychological theory and guiding equity-promoting, context-sensitive interventions that respond to the realities of immigration in the U.S. We identify opportunities for psychology to lead in advancing immigrant well-being by designing multidimensional measures and mechanism-focused studies, embedding connection assessments in clinical practice, and shaping policies that build connection infrastructure and promote belonging within immigrant communities.