An agent-based model for the role of social support in mood regulation

Abstract

In this paper, a computational model of a human agent is presented which describes the effect of social support on mood. According to the literature, social support can either refer to the social resources that individuals perceive to be available or to the support that is actually provided in problematic situations. The proposed model distinguishes between both roles of social support. Simulation experiments are done to analyze the effect of the different types of support in different scenarios. It is shown that support can help to reduce the induced stress and thus can contribute to healthy mood regulation and prevention of depression. This presented model provides a basis for an intelligent support system for people with mood regulation problems that take the social network of people into account.