Definition
Social support is a broad construct that describes the network of social resources that an individual perceives. This social network is rooted in the concepts of mutual assistance, guidance, and validation about life experiences and decisions. This social system plays a role in providing a number of forms of support, including informational, instrumental, and emotional support.
Description
In times of distress following exposure to a life stressor, being able to access social support has frequently been associated with positive adjustment. Across the spectrum of populations, from healthy to those recovering from acute or chronic illness, regardless of ethnic or religious or sexual orientation and socioeconomic status, the salutary effects of social support have been consistently found (Wills & Fegan, 2001).
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Zhou, E.S. (2014). Social Support. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2789
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2789
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