Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running longitudinal studies in history, plays a significant role in shaping the contemporary understanding of human development and the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. The study’s findings, which Duhigg discusses in the Afterword of Supercommunicators, provide an important backdrop for exploring the impact of effective communication and social connections in achieving happiness and well-being.

The study began in 1938 as two separate research projects: The Harvard Grant Study and the Glueck Study. The Harvard Grant Study, led by psychiatrist George Vaillant, initially enrolled 268 Harvard sophomores from the classes of 1939-1944, with the aim of identifying the psychosocial predictors of healthy aging. The Glueck Study, led by criminologists Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck, recruited 456 disadvantaged youths from inner-city Boston neighborhoods to study the factors that contribute to delinquency and poor mental health outcomes.

Over time, these two studies were combined and expanded to include the spouses and children of the original participants, creating a multi-generational study that has followed its subjects for over 80 years. The researchers collected data through regular questionnaires, interviews, medical records, and psychological tests, providing a rich and detailed portrait of the participants’ lives.

One of the study’s most significant findings, which Duhigg highlights in Supercommunicators, is the paramount importance of social connections and relationships in determining life outcomes. The researchers found that the quality of one’s relationships at age 50 was the single best predictor of health and happiness in later life, more so than genetics, IQ, or socioeconomic status. Participants who had strong, supportive relationships with family, friends, and community were more likely to experience greater life satisfaction, better mental and physical health, and even longer lifespans.

Conversely, participants who were isolated or had poor-quality relationships were more likely to experience depression, cognitive decline, and premature death. These findings underscore the central role that effective communication plays in building and maintaining the social connections that are so critical to human well-being.

The study also shed light on the factors that contribute to successful relationships and effective communication. Researchers found that participants who demonstrated empathy, vulnerability, and the ability to listen and respond to others’ needs were more likely to have strong, enduring relationships. These findings align with Duhigg’s emphasis on the importance of empathy, authenticity, and adaptability in becoming a “supercommunicator.”

Another key insight from the study is the concept of “generativity,” or the desire to give back and contribute to future generations. Participants who exhibited generativity, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or other forms of prosocial behavior, were more likely to experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment in later life. This finding suggests that effective communication is not just about achieving personal goals, but also about using one’s skills and influence to make a positive impact on others and society as a whole.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development also highlights the plasticity of human development and the potential for growth and change throughout one’s lifespan. Many participants who struggled with mental health issues or relationship difficulties in early adulthood were able to overcome these challenges and lead fulfilling lives in later years. This finding underscores the importance of developing effective communication skills and social support systems, as these resources can help individuals navigate life’s challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

In Supercommunicators, Duhigg draws on the insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development to emphasize the transformative power of effective communication in shaping people’s lives and relationships. By understanding the historical context and key findings of this landmark study, readers can better appreciate the evidence-based foundation upon which Duhigg’s insights and advice are built.