Social Relationships and Health Flashcards
Define ‘social relationships’.
There is no universally agreed definition.
- The degree to which individuals are interconnected and embedded in communities. - Berkman and Krishna (2014)
What are the 3 aspects of social relationship?
- Structural
- Functional
- Quality
What is the structural aspect of social relationships?
Number and type of people with whom a person interacts.
What is the functional aspect of social relationships?
Purpose and nature of relationships.
What is the quality aspect of social relationships?
Positive and negative aspects of relationships.
What does social relationships at an individual level consist of?
- Social isolation
- Social support
- Social networks
Explain the stress buffering model.
Suggests that social connections benefit health by providing psychological and material resources needed to cope with stress.
Define social support.
A social network’s provision of psychological and material resources intended to benefit an individual’s ability to cope with stress.
List the four types of social support.
- Emotional
- Instrumental
- Appraisal
- Informational
Explain the main effects model.
Proposes social support to have a direct effect on outcomes irrespective of whether individuals are under high or low levels of stress.
Define social networks.
The web of social ties that surround an individual and the characteristics of those ties.
Define social integration.
Participation in a broad range of social relationships.
What are the two components of social integration?
Behavioural and cognitive.
Define social isolation.
A lack of social relationships and low levels of participation in social activities.
Define loneliness.
A distressing feeling that accompanies the perception that one’s social needs are not being met by the quantity or especially the quality of one’s social relationships.
What is the difference between social isolation and loneliness?
Social isolation can be objectively measured whereas loneliness is a subjective feeling.
How does social isolation affect health?
Increases negative affect and a sense of alienation, loneliness, and stress while decreasing feelings of control and self-esteem. In turn, these negative psychological states could increase neuroendocrine and cardiovascular responses, suppress immune function, and interfere with performance of health behaviours.
Define social cohesion.
The existence of mutual trust and respect between different sections of society.
Why is social cohesion important?
It involves high levels of participation in communal activities and public affairs e.g. people looking out for each other bringing a sense of safety and belonging.
Define social capital.
Resources that are accessed by individuals as a result of their membership of a network or a group.
What are the two dimensions of social capital?
Cognitive and structural.
What does the cognitive dimension of social capital include?
Norms, values, perceptions, attitudes, beliefs.
What does the structural dimension of social capital include?
Network density, civic engagement, functioning of institutions.
How do we measure the cognitive dimension of social capital?
Perceptions of trust, sharing, reciprocity, belonging.
