Social support

Question 1

Types of functional support

Answer 1

Emotional: care, love, empathy
Instrumental: Providing tangible goods and services
Informational: information/ advice at time of need + problem solving
Appraisal

Question 2

How social support affects health and vice versa ***

Answer 2

• Improves medication adherence and treatment
• Influences health behaviours and lifestyles (diet, smoking)
• Buffer against stress
• Protects against psychiatric disorders and cognitive decline

Question 3

Downsides of social support

Answer 3

• Not always beneficial: too much can cause problems, can act in non-supportive ways, may increase distress
• Cost: long term provision can lead to distress