SLWK 442 Lecture 2: Social Support Part II & Charm Bullard Presentation
Document Summary
The interpersonal interactions and relationships that provide people with assistance and/or feelings of attachment to others perceived as caring. Natural supports are personal relationships typically developed in the community which involve give-and-take. These relationships enhance the quality and security of lives for people. Relationships developed through participation in clubs, organizations, or civic activities. Kinship studies found that the utilization of informal resources/natural supports last longer and are more supportive of one"s cultural, racial, or ethnic id. Natural supports are more stable over time versus non-kinship. Professional systems should never replace the natural supports. Reliance on natural and community support can be critical for economic and social survival among historically oppressed groups. Support is related to an overall sense of personal well-being. Social supports provide people with regular positive experiences and this consistency enables people to enjoy stability, predictability, and feel self worth. Support is a factor that intervenes between a stressful event and one"s reaction by decreasing the stress response.
