Social support

Question 1

What is the definition of social support?

Answer 1

A form of interpersonal connectedness that provides reassurance, improves communication, and encourages constructive expression of feelings.

Question 2

How does social support aid injury rehabilitation?

Answer 2

By offering a sense of belonging, reducing stress, and facilitating coping with injury-related challenges.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of social support during injury rehabilitation?

Answer 3

To ensure athletes feel they are not isolated and have a network to rely on.

Question 4

What is the stress-buffering model?

Answer 4

A model suggesting social support protects athletes from harmful effects of injury-related stress by reducing emotional and behavioral responses to stress.

Question 5

What are the types of social support?

Answer 5

Emotional, technical, informational, tangible, and motivational support.

Question 6

What social support is most helpful during Phase 1 (reaction to injury)?

Answer 6

Listening support, emotional support, and material assistance.

Question 7

What social support is most helpful during Phase 2 (reaction to rehabilitation)?

Answer 7

Emotional challenge, technical appreciation, and motivational support to sustain adherence and compliance.

Question 8

What social support is most helpful during Phase 3 (reaction to RTP)?

Answer 8

Esteem support, technical support, and informational support to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Question 9

What is emotional social support?

Answer 9

Support that includes active listening, empathy, encouragement, and demonstrating belief in the athlete’s ability to cope with injury.

Question 10

What is tangible social support?

Answer 10

Assistance with tasks such as household duties (material assistance).

Question 11

What is technical social support?

Answer 11

Acknowledging athletes’ achievements during rehab and encouraging them to achieve more (technical appreciation and challenges).

Question 12

How can peer modeling be used as social support?

Answer 12

Linking an injured athlete with a peer who has successfully undergone a similar rehabilitation process.

Question 12

What are injury support groups?

Answer 12

Groups that foster connectedness and motivation for athletes undergoing lengthy rehabilitation programs.

Question 13

What issues should be considered when providing social support?

Answer 13

Characteristics of the provider, perceived vs. received support, and the potential negative effects of inappropriate support.

Question 14

What is perceived support?

Answer 14

The belief that help will be available when needed, which positively influences rehabilitation appraisal.

Question 15

What is received support?

Answer 15

Actual helping behaviors provided, which enhance coping skills and positive outcomes like self-worth.

Question 16

What are the characteristics of an effective support provider?

Answer 16

Good listening skills, sensitivity to individual and gender differences, acknowledgment of effort, and awareness of appropriate interventions.

Question 17

What are the potential negative effects of insufficient social support?

Answer 17

Poor rehabilitation guidance, lack of sensitivity, and inadequate concern can harm the athlete’s health and recovery.

Question 18

How can social support negatively impact athletes?

Answer 18

If the provider lacks skill or awareness, or if support is insufficient or inappropriate, it may worsen the athlete’s recovery process.