Creating a Safe Haven Following Child Maltreatment : The Benefits and Limits of Social Support

Abstract

This chapter reviews recent research that examines when, how, and what types of social support might foster resilience among survivors of child maltreatment. Promotive (main) effects of social support are highlighted, followed by studies that demonstrate a buffering or protective (moderating) role of support. Finally, studies illustrating significant limits to the beneficial effects of social support are reviewed, particularly in the context of more severe child maltreatment experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)