Social support and mental health

Citation

Daly M & Baumeister R (2009) Social support and mental health. In: Piotrowski N (ed.) Salem Health: Psychology & Mental Health, Volume 5. Salem Health: Psychology and Mental Health, Volume 5. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, pp. 1838-1842. http://salempress.com/store/samples/psychology/psychology.htm

Abstract
Social support is the perception or experience that a person is esteemed and part of a social network characterized by mutual obligation and helping behaviors. Support can involve either instrumental helping behaviors or attention to emotion through expressing empathy or bolstering self-esteem. The presence of supportive others may diminish the effects of stress and the risk of developing certain mental illnesses such as depression.

Keywords
emotional social support; instrumental social support; main effect model; need to belong; perceived available social support; stress-buffering model