Social support as a mediator of stress: Theoretical and empirical issues

Abstract

Research has shown that a variety of physical and psychological disorders occur more frequently among individuals lacking social support. Accordingly, research on social support has received increasing attention in recent years and has important implications for clinical, community and health psychology. However, important questions remain regarding the nature of social support and how it may be useful in helping individuals cope with stress. The present paper (a) reviews current definitions of social support, (b) provides a critical review of the literature dealing with stress, social support and illness, (c) advocates an experimental approach to research on social support, and (d) advocates the conceptualization of social support within an interactional model of stress and coping. The authors caution against widespread endorsement of support interventions at this point.