The WebMD feature story, "Good Friends Are Good for You," quotes Dr. Howe's point that social support can help lower the body's levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. "'Why? The evolutionary argument maintains that humans are social animals, and we have evolved to be in groups,'" she says. "'We have always needed others for our survival. It's in our genes. Therefore, people with social connections feel more relaxed and at peace, which is related to better health.'"
The article notes that extensive research indicates the health benefits of social cohesion.
Dr. Howe adheres to Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory that each individual exists within multiple systems of influence, from families and neighborhoods to media and culture. She is currently pursuing community-based research, working with various social service and child health and development agencies on violence prevention and community and family violence issues. Dr. Howe supervises student research on any topic related to child development or family relations/violence issues.