C2: Social Support Flashcards
What is a social network?
. A collection of people we interact with, including family, friends, and work colleagues, who can provide social support.
What is instrumental (practical) support?
Practical help, such as providing a lift to the hospital, cooking a meal, giving money, or offering useful information like bus times or coping strategies.
What is emotional (comfort) support?
Support that involves expressing warmth, empathy, affection, or concern to comfort someone and lift their mood, especially during stress.
What is esteem (self-esteem) support?
Support that involves boosting someone’s confidence and faith in their abilities, improving their self-esteem and self-efficacy, and reducing stress.
What is the buffering hypothesis?
The idea that social support protects against stress by creating psychological distance, providing a ‘buffer zone,’ and helping us think about stress differently.
What is the direct effect hypothesis?
The theory that social support is beneficial at all times, not just during stress, by promoting relaxation and reducing nervous system arousal.
Why can instrumental support sometimes feel insufficient?
It may appear business-like and lack emotional engagement, though it can still show care and provide emotional support indirectly.
