Social Support

Question 0

What is social network

Answer 0

the social network refers to the entire web of relationships in which the person involved directly or indirectly; it includes all individuals with whom we have contact or exchange with.

Question 1

What is social support

Answer 1

is the interaction with laypersons that “communicate information, esteem, aid and emotion help. These communications may improve copings, moderate the impact of stressors, and promote health and self-care.

Question 2

What are the social support frame work

Answer 2

Structure, function and appraisal

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

• who provides the support
• defined by the individual
• support may be family, friends, pets, neighbours

Question 4

Function

Answer 4

Affirmational

• confirmation of being valued, respected
• sense of belonging
• feedback and appraisal

Emotional
-reassurance, empathy, listening, encouraging

Informational
-provides information
-has more knowledge and experience to deal with problems
(group members, peers)

Instrumental
-tangible help, practical support, providing resources

Question 5

Appraisal

Answer 5

Duration

• length of time of supportive help
• stability over time, may endure or dissipate
• may decrease after initial response
• length of help may not reflect the depth of help

Direction

• unidirection/non-reciprocal
• bidirection/reciprocal
• intervention by friends and self help group

Drawbacks

• Provider: over exposure to chronic and acute stress, overload, over protection
• Recipient: fear of loss of support, undermine self-esteem, helplessness, advice that constraints

Benefit
-helpful, timely, matches the need, psychological sense of support

Question 6

How does social support impact health

Answer 6

• helps maintain health and facilitate recovery
• improves wellbeing; improves emotional, physical and cognitive status
• decrease social loneliness and improves self-esteem
• decreases burden of chronic stressor