APA Dictionary of Psychology

the ability to interact effectively with other people, including family, friends, coworkers, and health care providers. It encompasses the quality and frequency of social relationships, communication, cooperation, and participation in social activities, as well as the capacity to maintain relationships while managing physical or mental health challenges. Impaired social functioning, whether endemic to a disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) or arising as a by-product of living with a chronic health or mental health condition (e.g., pain, depression), can exacerbate the illness experience of these conditions, and is an important target for interventions aimed at improving overall well-being and quality of life.