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Task force report: Social networks as mediators of social support

An analysis of the effects and determinants of social networks

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Abstract

The intent of this paper is to present a representative, though not exhaustive, overview of the current literature on social networks, with an emphasis on research linking social networks to psychological adaptation. This overview includes a review of social network concepts; and analysis of the multiple determinants of social networks; an analysis of the varied effects of social networks; and the implications for policies and practices of community mental health centers. This paper adopts the view that the concept of social network is a useful tool in examining both the functional and the dysfunctional influences of one's primary group on individual adaption.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, 20942, MD

    Roger E. Mitchell Ph.D. & Edison J. Trickett Ph.D.

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  1. Roger E. Mitchell Ph.D.
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  2. Edison J. Trickett Ph.D.
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Additional information

An earlier draft of this paper was prepared for the Task Force on Environmental Assessment, National Council of Community Mental Health Centers. The authors wish tho thanhk Margaret Catz for her comments, which added appreciably to the quality of the manuscript.

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Mitchell, R.E., Trickett, E.J. Task force report: Social networks as mediators of social support. Community Ment Health J 16, 27–44 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00780665

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