Social Integration and Support

Abstract

This chapter provides an extensive review of the social support literature and that the availability and quality of social relationships may act to moderate the impact of life stress that consequently impact mental health (depression, anxiety) and general well-being. In this examination, they more specifically examine conceptualizations of social support; the nature of perceived support; social support's relationship to mental health; whether social support buffers stress or moderates life stress; its relationship to gender, marital status, and socioeconomic status; whether it should be interpreted from a social causation or social selection perspective; among other important factors related to social support. Although much research has been completed, much remains to be learned about how and why social support matters for health and well-being, and about the circumstannces and processes that promote and enhance its availability.