Sourcebook of Social Support and Personality

Abstract

Presents a diverse discussion of the role of personality in socialsupport processes. The book begins by recognizing the fact that theconstruct of social support is multifaceted and complex and thatsocial support research has been pursued independently of other topicswithin psychology and related disciplines. It then moves to chapterscovering the link between personality processes, social support andphysical and mental health. By specifying mechanisms to account forobserved associations between social support on the one hand, andphysical health and well-being on the other, the contributors takean important step in advancing social support theory by addressingthe psychological processes underlying these connections. The bookconcludes with chapters underscoring the point that potentially supportivetransactions represent interactions between relationship participants'personal dispositions and the situational contexts in which theyrespond to each other. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, allrights reserved) (from the preface)