Social Support & Stress
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 14.1.13
Social Support and Stress
Social support, from family, friends and peers, is a key factor in determining how well an individual manages stress.
Social support and the immune system
- Research suggests that social support may reduce stress, and in doing so reduce the immune response to stressors.
- This hypothesis suggests that individuals with good social support will be less likely to develop ill health due to stress.
Waxler-Morrison et al. (1991)
- This theory (that individuals with good social support and less likely to become ill) has been supported through natural experiments.
- Waxler-Morrison et al. (1991) found that of 133 women with breast cancer, those who had greater social support were more likely to survive for longer.
Negative social support
- There may be some stressful situations where social support makes people feel worse.
- For example, individuals may worry that their need and reliance on social support makes them seem pathetic and ‘needy’ in their social circle.
- In some situations, an individual may feel pressure from the social support they are receiving and may be made more stressed by not wanting to let down their supporters.
Social Support and Stress - Shaefer et al. (1981)
Shaefer et al. (1981) proposed that there are three basic kinds of social support: instrumental support, emotional support and esteem support.
Ways of offering support
- A person does not need to be physically present to provide support to the stressed person, but can offer it through writing or a phone call.
Instrumental support
- Instrumental support is practical help offered to a stressed individual.
- E.g. providing financial support, helping around the house or running errands.
- This can reduce the stress of individuals who find these activities too much and feel unable to cope.
Emotional support
- Emotional support involves providing people with support that helps improve their mood, such as a hug, pat on the back or shoulder to cry on.
- Most likely administered by close family and friends.
- This can make people happier and feel more loved, which will relieve emotional pressure and make stressful situations seem more manageable.
Esteem support
- Esteem support is advice and support that boosts individual’s self-esteem and makes them feel they are better able to cope with the stressful situations.
- This may be specific messages of encouragement that boost an individuals strengths and improve their self-worth.
Test yourself on Social Support & Stress
Which of these statements about the effect of social support is NOT true?
In what ways could someone show basic social support?
Which of these is NOT an example of emotional support?