Social and emotional support and its implication for health

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW-To summarize recent research findings from selected publications focusing on links between social support and physical health.RECENT FINDINGS-Current research is extending our understanding of social support's influences on health. Many epidemiological studies have concentrated on further linking measures of social support to physical health outcomes. A few studies are now moving into newer areas, such as emphasizing health links to support receipt and provision. Researchers are also interested in outlining relevant pathways, including potential biological (i.e., inflammation) and behavioral (i.e., health behaviors) mechanisms. Interventions attempting to apply basic research on the positive effects of social support are also widespread. Although the longer-term effects of such interventions on physical health remain to be determined, such interventions show promise in influencing the quality of life in many chronic disease populations.SUMMARY-Recent findings often show a robust relationship in which social and emotional support from others can be protective for health. However, the next generation of studies must explain why this relationship exists and the specificity of such links. This research is in its infancy but will be crucial in order to better tailor support interventions that can impact on physical health outcomes.

Testing the Affiliation Hypothesis of Homoerotic Motivation in Humans: The Effects of Progesterone and Priming

“…Moreover, while some aspects of these patterns are uniquely human, the fundamental link between social connectedness and fitness has a very deep phylogeny, as there is evidence that, among both male and female nonhuman primates, social bonds translate into enhanced survival and reproductive success (Kuhle & Ratdke, 2013;Silk, Alberts, & Altmann, 2003;Silk et al, 2010). Consistent with the above patterns, in the clinical context, social connectedness has been shown to importantly influence both overall human health and prognosis after physical trauma (see Reblin & Uchino, 2008;Seeman, 1996).…”

Personal support and expressions of care for pregnant women in Soweto, South Africa

“…It is a transition in life which brings many challenges [1,2], and for this reason, the care and support extended to women can impact greatly on their lives and contribute to how they experience the pregnancy [1–4]. Social relationships and support, both formal and informal, play critical roles in managing health and personal problems in pregnancy [5–7].…”

“…Social relationships and support, both formal and informal, play critical roles in managing health and personal problems in pregnancy [5–7]. Reblin and Uchino [2] differentiate between tangible care and support, in the form of money, shelter, clothing, and food, for example; and intangible care and support, including emotional, psychosocial, and perceived or received support. The range of material, contextual, and interpersonal factors that are therefore included reflect the complex phenomena that impact on women [1,2].…”

“…Reblin and Uchino [2] differentiate between tangible care and support, in the form of money, shelter, clothing, and food, for example; and intangible care and support, including emotional, psychosocial, and perceived or received support. The range of material, contextual, and interpersonal factors that are therefore included reflect the complex phenomena that impact on women [1,2]. These personal, social, and cultural factors vary in different contexts.…”

A brief report on an action learning group exploration of how older people adapt to change in later life

“…In an extensive review and meta-analysis of 148 papers, it was reported 15 that there is a "50% increased likelihood of survival for those, particularly men, with stronger social relationships" (page 14). In addition, it has been acknowledged that people in later life may conceal "dissatisfaction with conditions that might otherwise be correctable" (page 1111) 3 and that negative life events can be cumulative and can have an increasingly negative impact on quality of life 16,5 and health status 17 .…”