Social Support

Question 1

Differentiate between social support and social network

Answer 1

Social network - 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

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

Question 2

Describe the four functions of social support

Answer 2

Affirmational
-Confirmation of being valued, respected
Gives a sense of belonging
Involves feedback and appraisal
E.g. Friends, pets(shadow)

Emotional
-Reassurance, empathy
Listening, encouraging
Caring serves to help through upsetting times
e.g. Partners, family

Informational
-provides information
have more knowledge/experience to deal with problems
eg. group members, peers

Instrumental
-Tangible help
Practical support
Repairing, providing resources
E.g. Family, friends

Question 3

Describe the three main components of the framework for social support

Answer 3

STRUCTURE
-who provides the support
defined by the individual
sources: family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, members of a group, peers, with similar concerns, volunteers (laypersons not professionals), pets
most support is given by family and close relationships

FUNCTION

APPRAISAL
Duration
-length of time of supportive relationships
stability over time - may endure of dissipate
may decrease after initial response
length of support may not reflect depth of support
role may change from helper to helpee over time

Direction
-Unidirectional/non-reciprocal
Bidirectional/reciprocal
Reciprocal benefits both parties (health problems may limit reciprocity)
Interventions by friends, self-help groups typically involve reciprocity while family have long term commitment and less concern with reciprocity

Drawbacks
-Provider: over-load, over-exposure to chronic & acute stress, over- protection, over-commitment
Recipient: fears loss of support, advice that constrains, helplessness, may undermine self-esteem
Limited reciprocity (one-way support)

Benefits
-Helpful, timely
matches the need
psychological sense of support

Question 4

Impact on health behaviour

Answer 4

Motivates, encourages (e.g. Wt loss)
Provides information, advice
Enables self-care and self-help
Confidence

Question 5

Describe the relationship between self-help groups and social support

Answer 5

Support or self-help groups provide:
Mutual support – sharing experiences/problems with others with similar experiences
Sense of belonging – sharing common issues
Empowerment – gained knowledge, validation(affirmation), role models
Help each other – kinship, reciprocity

Question 6

Genogram and ecomap

Answer 6

Genogram - family 3 generations

Echomap - depicts family member’s contact with outside world