Exploring the Role of Social Support in Advanced Illness
Abstract
It is generally well established that individuals who have supportive interpersonal relationships are healthier than those without such ties (Broadhead et al., 1983; Cohen & Wills, 1985). Typically, social support refers to the "comfort, assistance, and information one receives through formal or informal contact with individuals or groups" (Wallston, Alagna, DeVellis, & DeVellis, 1983, p. 369). Although much of the research on social support has been correlational, prospective studies indicate that social support actually does have a causal role in promoting wellbeing (Cohen & Syme, 1985). For example, several prospective studies have demonstrated that mortality is greater among those with lower levels of social support, and higher levels of support are associated with fewer mental health problems such as depression (Berkman & Syme, 1979; Blazer, 1982; House, Robbins, & Metzner, 1982; Oxman & Hull, 2001). However, the social support literature is rife with measurement and methodological problems.
Subject Area
Psychology
Recommended Citation
James, Rebecca M, "Exploring the Role of Social Support in Advanced Illness" (2013). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI13853107.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI13853107
