Social support

Abstract

Social support by our social network proves to be important for our health. The opposite of good social support is loneliness. First and foremost, it seems that social support includes emotional support, belonging in a social community, being valued, practical help, and information and guidance. Social support represents a vital salutogenic resource for individuals' mental health. This chapter explains the concept of social support in relation with other concepts of specific relevance, such as coping and quality of life. In a health-promoting perspective, this chapter presents the concept of social support and its theoretical basis. A brief description of questionnaires assessing social support is provided, as well as a brief summary of evidence demonstrating the salutogenic potential of social support, both as a preventive and a health-promoting resource.