A substantial number of young American men are struggling with loneliness, social isolation, unemployment, educational difficulties, and uncertainty about their futures. An article by Joseph E. Davis in Psychology Today discusses the broader social and cultural circumstances contributing to these challenges. 1
Although many young men are doing well, others lack close friendships, meaningful social connections, and people they can turn to when they need help.
Research has consistently demonstrated that strong social relationships are associated with better mental and physical health. Friendships and dependable support networks can reduce feelings of isolation, improve well-being, and help people cope with life’s difficulties. 2, 3
So, what can we do to help?
A good friend recently mentioned that he was organizing small groups of men through his church to address these problems. I thought this was an excellent idea. Rather than simply discussing the difficulties facing young men, he was taking practical steps to help them.
However, as with most worthwhile initiatives, the challenge is determining how to make them successful.
The basic concept is straightforward: Bring approximately five to eight men together, help them develop friendships, encourage them to support one another, and give them considerable freedom to determine how their group operates.
These small groups encourage participation, strengthen relationships, and make it easier for everyone to be heard. Although there is no universally accepted optimal group size, five to eight members seems a reasonable starting point.
Whenever practical, members should be approximately the same age and have some common interests. Groups should meet at least twice monthly initially, with opportunities
for members to socialize and participate in activities together between meetings.
Each group should establish its own goals. These might include developing friendships, helping members find employment, improving educational opportunities, addressing personal challenges, or participating in community service.
Members should be encouraged to assist one another voluntarily. Someone looking for employment might benefit from another member’s professional contacts. Someone experiencing personal difficulties might benefit from having trusted friends who will listen without judgment.
The groups should maintain confidentiality, respect individual differences, and recognize that peer support cannot replace professional assistance when serious problems arise.
Although my friend’s initiative is being organized through a church, the approach could also be adopted by colleges, civic associations, community organizations, and other institutions.
We recommend beginning with three or four groups of approximately five to eight men each. After six months, organizers could evaluate whether members have developed friendships, strengthened their support networks, and benefited from participating. The results could guide improvements and decisions about expanding the program.
This approach has several advantages. It is relatively inexpensive, requires few resources, and gives participants considerable control over their activities. Most importantly, it addresses a basic human need: meaningful relationships with people who genuinely care about one another.
The most important benefits may not occur during the meetings themselves. They may occur afterward, when someone needs advice, encouragement, companionship, or a helping hand.
If a young man who previously felt isolated develops six friends whom he trusts, can call when he needs help, and can spend time with regularly, the group may have accomplished something genuinely valuable.
Sometimes, helping someone improve his life begins with something as simple as helping him make a few good friends.
1 Davis, Joseph E. “The Context of the Crisis Facing Young Men.” Psychology Today, August 27, 2026. Publication details should be verified before distribution.
2 Holt-Lunstad, Julianne, Timothy B. Smith, and J. Bradley Layton. “Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review.” PLOS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316, 2010.
3 Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.