Social support

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Social Support

Social support (/ˈsoʊʃəl səˈpɔːrt/) refers to the various types of assistance and comfort that individuals receive from others within their social networks. It is a crucial aspect of human life, contributing to overall well-being and health.

Etymology

The term "social support" is derived from the Latin words "socius" meaning companion, and "supportare" meaning to carry or bear. It was first used in the psychological literature in the 1970s to describe the role of interpersonal relationships in buffering stress.

Types of Social Support

Social support can be categorized into four main types:

  1. Emotional Support: This involves expressions of empathy, love, trust, and caring. It is the most personal form of social support and often comes from close relationships such as family and friends.
  2. Instrumental Support: This refers to the provision of tangible aid and services that directly assist a person in need. This could include financial assistance, help with tasks, or providing resources.
  3. Informational Support: This type of support involves the provision of advice, suggestions, and information that a person can use to address problems.
  4. Appraisal Support: This involves information that is useful for self-evaluation purposes, such as constructive feedback, affirmation, and social comparison.

Importance of Social Support

Social support plays a significant role in maintaining physical and mental health. It can help individuals cope with stress, improve their resilience, and promote overall well-being. Lack of social support can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can negatively impact health.

Related Terms

  • Resilience: The ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
  • Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
  • Well-being: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

External links

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