Social resource/social support Flashcards
What is the social network?
refers to the entire web of relationships with which the individual is involved either directly or indirectly; it includes all individuals with whom we have contact or exchange
(chappell)
What is social support?
interactions with laypersons that “communicate information, esteem, aid and emotional help. These communications may improve copings, moderate the impact of stressors, and promote health and self-care.
(stewart)
What does social support look like?
- Mutually supportive communication
- Positive interaction that gives a person a sense of belonging and fosters self-esteem
- Sources emerge from social network
- includes reciprocity and mutual support
Could a pastor be a source of social support for someone? explain why.
No. A pastor would be a professional and tied with spiritual health. It could however be someone that is a member of the church
Can’t be a professional resource
What are social resources?
social resources encompasses those individuals who provide support as defined by the individual. It includes lay people such as partners, family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers, volunteers, and self-help groups
UFV
What are the three things that make up the social support framework?
Structure
Function
Appraisal
What is structure in the social support framework?
- who provides the support
- defined by the individual
- sources: family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, members of a group, peers with similar concerns, volunteers (not professional), pets
- most support is given by family and close relationships
What are the 4 types of function in the framework of social support?
Affirmational
Emotional
Informational
Instrumental
Describe affirmational support.
- confirmation of being valued and respected
- provides sense of belonging
- involves feedback and appraisal
ex friends, pets
Describe emotional support.
- reassurance empathy
- listening, encouraging
- caring through unsettling times
ex partners, family
Explain the difference between emotional and affirmational support.
Emotional is focused on caring
Affirmational is focused on valuing
Describe informational support.
- relationship provides information
- individual has more knowledge/experience to deal with problems
ex group members, peers
Describe instrumental support.
- relationship provides tangible help
- practical support; repairing, providing resources
ex family, friends
Describe what type of things are provided in instrumental support?
involves concrete things like money, working, time, items
TANGIBLE
What are the 4 things considered in appraisal?
Duration
Direction
Drawbacks
Benefits
What things may be appraised for duration?
Length of time of supportive relationship
Stability over time
Role over time
What are some things to consider when appraising duration.
support may decrease after initial response
length of support may not reflect depth of support
role may change from helper to helpee over time
What is appraised regarding direction?
may be:
unidirectional/non-reciprocal or bidirectional/reciprocal
reciprocal benefits both parties (health problems may limit this)
friends and self-help groups are typically reciprocal, family has long term commitment and may be less reciprocal.
What is appraised regarding drawbacks?
Provider: over-load, over-exposure to chronic and acute stress, over-protection, over-commitment
Recipient: fears of loss of support, advice that constrains, helplessness, may undermine self-esteem (feeling like a burden)
Limited reciprocity
What is appraised regarding benefits?
is it HELPFUL
is it TIMELY
does it MATCH the need
psychological sense of support
What are some barriers to social support?
- geography
- time/energy
- limited social network
- low self-esteem
- unsure what the problem is
- culture barriers
- language
- lack of knowledge of resources
- socioeconomic status
How can social support influence stress and coping?
- reduce impact of stressors
- aid in recovery
supportive persons can:
- alter appraisal of stress
- sustain coping efforts
- influence choice of coping strats
- influences coping abilities, and strategies and influence support sought and received
How does social support impact health?
1) helps maintain health and facilitates recovery:
- improves well-being (emotional, physical, cognitive status)
2) decrease loneliness and helps self-esteem
3) decreases burden of chronic stressors
How does social support impact health behaviour?
- motivates and encourages
- provides information and advice
- enables self-care and self-help
- confidence
