PS282 Chapter 8: SOCIAL SUPPORT
Document Summary
Collection of social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural processes occuring in relationships and social networks. Correlated with lesser anxiety, depression, distress, physical illness, stronger immune functioning. Generalized support = sustained over time, secure base for living and coping, not tailored to one specific stressor, measured in terms of perceived support. Specific/enacted support = behavioural help provided to people coping w a particular stressor, emotional encouragement, info or advice, tangible assistance (money loan) etc, tailored to specific stressor, received rather than only perceived. Family members are sources of generalized and specific support. Involve greater commitment and personal knowledge of the individual but also greater obligation for reciprocity and greater potential for conflict. For whites, peer support was most important factor in commitment to college during first year. For blacks, family support was stronger predictor of commitment to college. Some people become natural helpers bc their jobs lead to emotional convos ex beauticians and bartenders.
