Benefits Of Social Support Research Articles

Optimizing Social Support in Oncology with Digital Platforms.

Increased cancer prevalence and survival rates coupled with earlier patient discharges from hospitals have created a greater need for social support. Cancer care is both short term and long term, requiring acute treatments, treatments for remission, and long-term screenings and treatment regimens. Health care systems are already overwhelmed and often struggle to provide social support systems for everyone. Caregivers are limited in number, and even when they are available, they often lack necessary information, skills, or resources to meet the needs of patients with cancer. The act of caregiving presents various challenges, and caregivers themselves often need social support as well. Despite these needs, most social support programs are targeted toward patients alone. Given the prevalence of cancer and known needs of these patients and their caregivers, the ability to identify those who need social support is crucial. Further, the scalability and overall availability of social support programs is vital for successful patient care. This paper establishes the benefits of social support for both patients and caregivers coping with cancer treatments, explores innovative ways of identifying patients who may need social support using digital tools, and reviews potential advantages of digital social support programs.

Social support and C-reactive protein in a Québec population cohort of children and adolescents.

ObjectiveRobust evidence exists for the health-enhancing benefits of social support in adults. Inflammatory processes are thought to be an important mechanism linking social support and health risk. Less is known about the relation between social support and chronic inflammation during childhood and adolescence, or when the association emerges during the lifespan.MethodData from the population-representative 1999 Quebec Child and Adolescent Health and Social (QCAHS) survey were analyzed. Youth aged 9, 13, and 16 years (N = 3613) and their parents answered questions about social support. A subsample (n = 2186) completed a fasting blood draw that was assayed for C-reactive protein (CRP).FindingsHigher social support was significantly associated with lower hs-CRPlog, after controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI Z-score), medication use, puberty, ethnoracial status (French-Canadian), smoking, household income, and parental education (F = 25.88, p = < .001, Total R2adj = 10.2%). The association was largely similar for boys and girls, and strengthened with age.ConclusionGreater social support was linked to lower chronic low-grade inflammation in a large sample of children and adolescents. Effect sizes were small and consistent with prior findings in the adult literature. Importantly, these findings provide evidence that the relation between social support and inflammation emerges early in the lifespan. Future work should consider broader, more encompassing conceptualizations of social support, the role of social media, and prospective trajectories of social support and inflammatory markers.

A mixed-methods approach to understanding the perspectives, experiences, and attitudes of a culturally tailored cognitive behavioral therapy/motivational interviewing intervention for African American patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized parallel design pilot study

BackgroundAfrican American (AA) adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and experience more complications than non-Hispanic White adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown to be an effective modality for helping patients improve health behaviors and regulate emotional states. Motivational interviewing (MI) addresses participant engagement and motivation. Therefore, MI was combined with CBT as an approach to the process of learning using CBT skills to promote healthy lifestyle choices. We aimed to assess the effects of a culturally tailored CBT/MI intervention on glycemic control in AA participants and understand their perspectives, attitudes, and experiences while participating in this intervention.MethodsUsing a randomized, parallel design pilot study (web-based group vs in-person group), 20 participants aged ≥ 18 years, identifying as AA and having a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 8%, were recruited. A CBT/MI intervention was administered in six sessions over 3 months. Participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments on measures for diabetes control (HbA1c), self-efficacy, generalized anxiety, depression, perceived stress, health-related quality of life, and cognitive ability. Post-CBT/MI intervention focus groups were conducted to determine patient perspectives regarding the intervention.ResultsFourteen participants completed the study, their mean HbA1c improved from 10.0 to 8.9% (t(26) = 0.5, p-value = 0.06). The Diabetes Distress Scale demonstrated decreased distress overall (t(26) = 2.6; p-value = 0.02). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale demonstrated decreased generalized anxiety for all participants (t(26) = 2.2; p = 0.04). Themes identified in focus groups included (1) intervention group social support through information sharing, (2) mental health and personal identities in diabetes understanding and management, and (3) receptivity to CBT/MI intervention positively impacts self-efficacy through improved health literacy.ConclusionThis group-based, culturally tailored CBT/MI intervention for type 2 DM care was positively received by AA participants and helped improve diabetes control, as demonstrated by the change in HbA1c. There were additional benefits of social support through group interactions and a stronger sense of self-efficacy due to health education. A comprehensive treatment plan using a CBT/MI intervention may be useful in promoting healthy diabetes self-management.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03562767. Registered on 19 June 2018

Social Environments and Physical Activity Among Active Black Women.

To explore the social context of physical activity (PA) among active Black women, we examine the patterns of PA engagement and the benefits of social support in PA maintenance. A cross-sectional study design and descriptive phenomenological approach were used to examine social support and lived experiences of active Black women. The study setting was an online survey of active Black women, ages 21 to 71years who were recruited from across the United States. This secondary data analysis was conducted among a sample of 187 active Black women who maintained PA for ≥6months. The mean age was 41 ± 12.3years, 83.4% completed some college, 37.7% were married, and 30.0% had children. Participants self-reported 'with whom' they engaged in PA and provided qualitative responses about their strategies for PA maintenance. Descriptive statistics were used to examine between-group differences among demographic characteristics and PA variables by category of PA engagement using SAS 9.4. Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore social support themes across and within categories of PA engagement. On average, the active Black women in this study reported engaging in 57.0 ± 18.9 minutes of moderate intensity leisure-time PA per session. Most engaged in PA alone (n = 87), with a group (n = 72), or with another individual (n = 28). Social context themes within categories included: alone - self-management, groups - motivation and accountability, family - values health, and friends - shared interests in PA. Subthemes across social context categories included: who? - people, what and how? - types of social support, and where? - place of social support. Our findings suggest that some Black women may need added social support from others beyond family and friends, while other Black women may prefer additional self-management skills. Nonetheless, this study provides data for developing hypotheses about the mechanisms by which social context may facilitate PA maintenance among Black women. Therefore, intervention studies targeting PA maintenance among Black women should include an in-depth query of social support needs.

It Takes a Village: The Importance of Social Support after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, a Qualitative Study

Social support is essential to the recovery of patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We undertook a qualitative study to explore the specific sources and benefits of social support as experienced by HSCT recipients, as well as their unmet social support needs. We conducted semistructured interviews with 25 HSCT recipients recruited from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute's HSCT database. The interviews explored the sources of support that patients receive, the type of assistance social support networks provide to patients, and unmet needs of social support. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using Dedoose software. The median age of participants was 63 years (range, 22 to 73 years), and 13 (52%) were female, 20 (80%) were white, and 9 (36%) had been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Participants reported receiving a majority of support from immediate family and close friends, with the primary benefits of social support including help with essential daily tasks and household chores, and receipt of emotional support. Participants reported occasional support from other patients but highlighted a desire for increased connection with patients who have undergone the same treatment. Participants also communicated a desire for more guidance on how to optimize the support they do receive and the need for more educational resources for caregivers and supporters to enhance understanding of the HSCT process and lessen patient burden. Participants reported relying on support from their family, friends, and other social connections for essential aspects of their recovery and daily living following HSCT. Although there are many benefits from these relationships, patients emphasized the need for more guidance and resources to facilitate post-transplantation aid and support.

Social activity as mediator between social support and psychological quality of life among people with rare diseases: A national repetitive cross-sectional study

BackgroundConsiderable proportion of people with rare diseases (RDs) have suffered from severe mental health problems. However, specific attention on the psychological quality of life (QoL) of people with RDs is sparse. Evidence documented the benefits of social support and social activity on recipients’ mental health and overall QoL, but no corresponding study answered how both social support and social activity work on the psychological QoL among people with RDs. This study aims to report the psychological QoL and evaluate the mediating role of social activity between social support and psychological QoL among people with RDs. MethodsData were from two national repetitive cross-sectional surveys, conducted in China in February 2016 and February 2018. In this study, eligible people were those aged 18 or above and had clinical-diagnosed RDs. Psychological QoL was measured by the subdomain of World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version. Social support was measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Social activity was measured with seven items selected from the measurement on leisure activities used by the Chinese General Social Survey. Using the mediation model, we assessed the direct and indirect (via social activity) association between social support and psychological QoL, both on overall and subtypes of RDs. We controlled for a variety of potential socioeconomic and demographic confounding factors. ResultsOf the 2403 adults studied, their average score of psychological QoL was 42.49 out of 100. The psychological QoL was directly associated with received emotional/information support (coefficient = 0.159, 95% CI = [0.093, 0.231], p < 0.0001) and positive social interaction (coefficient = 0.159, 95% CI = [0.097, 0.221], p < 0.0001). The psychological QoL was indirectly (via social activity) associated with received tangible support (coefficient = −0.035, 95% CI = [-0.046, −0.025], p < 0.0001) and positive social interaction (coefficient = 0.056, 95% CI = [0.040, 0.074], p < 0.0001). Above results by subtypes of RDs were also reported. LimitationsThe causal inference was not able to be investigated due to the cross-sectional study design. ConclusionPeople with RDs suffered from a low psychological QoL. Social activity mediated the association between social support and psychological QoL, but its mediating role depended on the subscales of social support as well as the subtypes of RDs. Customized measures based on the type of RDs and support that will be provided could perhaps improve the psychological QoL of people with RDs directly and indirectly.

Racial/ethnic differences in social support and health among Asian American and non-Hispanic White midlife women: Results from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

ABSTRACT Objective: Although prior research suggests Asian Americans experience physical health advantages relative to other racial/ethnic groups, increasing evidence points to health inequalities within Asian American subgroups. Disparities are especially pronounced among middle-aged Asian American women, who remain an understudied population, despite studies showing that midlife corresponds with distinct social stressors and changes in the availability of protective resources, such as social support. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine racial/ethnic differences in social support and self-rated health (SRH) among middle-aged women. Design: With data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN; N = 1258), we used modified Poisson regression models to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR), examining how social support shaped the risk of fair-to-poor SRH by race/ethnicity. We tested interactions between perceived stress, social support and race/ethnicity to determine whether the stress-buffering role of social support varies by group. Results: Results demonstrate racial/ethnic differences in SRH. Higher levels of social support were linked to higher fair-to-poor SRH among Chinese American women (IRR = 1.24; 95% CI [1.02, 1.52]); while greater social support conferred lower risk among White women. Interaction analyses revealed additional nuances in the stress-buffering effects of social support among Chinese American women, such that the health benefits of social support depended on levels of perceived stress (IRR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.57, 1.00]). Conclusions: These findings highlight important distinctions in the ways that psychosocial factors shape health across racial/ethnic groups. In particular, this study helps advance our understanding of important subgroup differences in the stress-buffering role of social support for Asian American midlife women. Interventions should focus on identifying sources of social strain among Asian American women that can increase the risk for poor health and identify alternative sources of support that mitigate stressors to improve health.

Psychosocial benefits of the social support experienced at a community-based cancer wellness organization.

This study was designed to identify the sources of social support and the perceived psychosocial benefits people diagnosed with cancer experience at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 people diagnosed with cancer who regularly used services at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Two themes were identified related to the sources of social support that participants experienced at the community-based cancer wellness organization: i) participants reported that individuals at the center (e.g., staff and volunteers) provided support, and ii) participants perceived the organization as a source of support. Further, four themes emerged related to participants' perceptions of the psychosocial benefits of social support experienced at the community-based cancer wellness organization including i) reduced feelings of social isolation; ii) acceptance at the center in contrast to stigmatizing experiences elsewhere; iii) validation of new identity; and iv) experiences of relaxation and stress relief. The study findings demonstrate that community-based cancer wellness organizations can be a source of connection, acceptance, validation, and stress relief to people diagnosed with cancer.

Perceived Social Support and its Effects on Treatment Compliance and Quality of Life in Cardiac Patients.

Background: The benefits of social support are often overlooked in common management components of cardiovascular diseases. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is self-administered and scores perceived social support (PSS). We sought to identify PSS among cardiovascular patients and the effects it may have on quality of life (QoL) and treatment compliance. Methods: A total of 96 patients were evaluated using the MSPSS in 3 categories: significant other (SO), family, and friends using a 7-point Likert scale. A supplemental lifestyle survey assessed various demographics, subjective QoL, and compliance with treatment plans. Results: Patients with high QoL reported a higher PSS Likert score in the family support category. Patients who were compliant with appointments and had high substance use avoidance (tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs) had a higher PSS Likert score in the friend support and higher PSS Likert score in support from SO and family categories, respectively. No difference in PSS was found in compliance with medications, diet, and exercise. Conclusion: Various social support categories are directly associated with higher QoL, adherence to appointments, and substance abuse avoidance.

It's Not Healthy Fellowship: Negative Interactions and the Implications for Middle- and Old-Age Black Men

Despite the benefits of social support on the well-being of Black men across the life course, scholars are more closely examining the potentially negative outcomes associated with some social networks. As one social support system, the Black church frequently serves middle and old age Black men who identify as religiously involved. Yet, higher levels of religious involvement have also been associated with more church-related negative interactions. The present study utilizes a grounded theory approach to examine the negative interactions of religious middle and old age Black men. A semi-structured interview protocol is used to gather data from 35 Black men between the ages of 45 and 76. Analyses reveal that church-related negative interactions broadly fall within the following themes: (1) Ageism Within Intergenerational Churches, (2) People are Messy, and (3) Issues with Leadership. Since negative interactions can be more detrimental than social support is beneficial, health-related implications are discussed.

Positive health benefits of social support: Examining racial differences.

Positive health benefits of social support: Examining racial differences.

Group-Based Lifestyle Intervention Strategies for Metabolic Syndrome: A Scoping Review and Strategic Framework for Future Research.

Background and Objectives: Group-based lifestyle interventions reap social support benefits and have been implemented among individuals with various chronic diseases. However, there is a lack of consolidated evidence on its approaches to prevent or manage metabolic syndrome (MetS). This scoping review aims to assess the group-based lifestyle interventional strategies for MetS and provide a strategic framework for future research in this area. Materials and Methods: Scholarly databases (OVID Medline, SCOPUS, PUBMED, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and reference lists of included publications were systematically searched using appropriate keywords and MeSH terms. Peer-reviewed articles published from the start of indexing to 31 December 2020 focused on individuals with or at risk for MetS were included. Results: Thirteen interventions were identified, with seven conducted among adults with MetS and six in the population at risk for MetS. Three study designs were reported—randomised controlled trials (RCTs), pre–post interventions, and quasi-experiments. Most of the interventions were based in the community or community organisations, multifaceted, led by a multidisciplinary healthcare team, and assisted by peer educators. Waist circumference showed the most promising MetS-related improvement, followed by blood pressure. Conclusions: There is growing evidence supporting group-based lifestyle interventions to improve MetS-related risk factors. In summary, four strategies are recommended for future research to facilitate group-based interventions in preventing and managing MetS.

Perceived Social Support Attenuates the Association between Stress and Health-Related Quality of Life among Adults Experiencing Homelessness.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is defined as a multidimensional subjective assessment of one’s physical and mental health. Homelessness is associated with numerous stressors that can reduce HRQoL. Social support is defined as the availability of individuals, or resources provided by individuals, to cope with stress. Interpersonal social support may be important in buffering HRQoL from the negative implications of stress. Here, we examine this association in a marginalized group known for high rates of physical and mental health comorbidities: adults experiencing homelessness. Participants (N = 581; 63.7% men; Mage = 43.6 ± 12.2) were recruited from homeless-serving agencies in Oklahoma City. Social support was measured with the 12-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL). HRQoL was measured by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey using self-rated health, the number of poor mental and poor physical health days over the preceding 30 days, as well as the number of limited activity days as the result of poor mental and/or physical health. Perceived stress was assessed using the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The potential moderation effect of social support was examined by assessing the interaction term of social support and stress in a series of linear regression analyses, controlling for sex, age, months homeless, race, education, health insurance status, serious mental illness diagnosis, and recruitment agency/site. There was a significant interaction effect of social support and stress on the prediction of days of poor physical health, days of poor mental health, and days of limited activity (p in all cases ≤ 0.05). Results add to a growing literature on the potentially protective benefits of social support for HRQoL, extend them to a large sample of adults experiencing homelessness in the South, and demonstrate the significance of this moderating effect of social support over and above the influence of several prominent sociodemographic and diagnostic variables. Future work should determine if interventions designed to enhance social support can buffer HRQoL from the deleterious effects of stress among this vulnerable population.

Move&Connect: A feasibility study of a group-based active rehabilitation intervention for youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To examine the feasibility of Move&Connect, a novel active rehabilitation (AR) group-based intervention, for youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). <h3>Design</h3> Qualitative descriptive study. <h3>Setting</h3> A children's rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. <h3>Participants</h3> There is a total of ten participants: five females aged 12-17 years with PPCS ranging from 4-12 months post injury, and their parents of five mothers. The selection procedure is purposive sampling from the hospital's brain injury clinic. <h3>Interventions</h3> Move&Connect is an interdisciplinary group-based intervention that integrates AR and education to address PPCS in youth. It includes individualized low-intensity exercises and teaching of concussion self-management skills. The six-week intervention consists of weekly one hour sessions, and is co-facilitated by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Semi-structured interviews with youth and parent participants. <h3>Results</h3> Based on content analysis of interview data, a visual representation was developed to capture youth experiences with the intervention. The visual illustrates three overarching categories: (a) Therapeutic engagement, (b) Youth feelings, and (c) Program outcomes. Youth participants reported engaging in meaningful intervention activities, bonding with peers over shared experiences, and learning relevant skillset. Additionally, youth noted feeling confident, motivated, and increased participation in activities of daily living. Parent participants also appreciated the intervention unique features, and emphasized the importance of their children connecting to peers with similar experiences. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Move&Connect merges the benefits of social support, physical activity, and concussion education to help youth with PPCS return to daily activities. Results suggest that the intervention is feasible and meaningful to youth with PPCS. A large-scale pilot study is required to examine the effectiveness of Move&Connect. Study findings will guide future AR and group interventions on concussion care. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> There are no conflicts or disclosures to be declared by the authors.

Macaque Models of Psychosis

While the benefits of social support for physiological health are well established, the underlying pathways by which support can influence cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) are still being elucidated. In the present study, we adapted an attachment framework to further explore the support-CVR link. Specifically, we experimentally tested the effect of attachment and social support on CVR by manipulating the provision of invisible support from a stranger, across individuals with secure, anxious and avoidant attachment styles. Employing a 3 × 2 design, a sample of young adults (N = 138) from across each of the three attachment styles were randomly assigned to either an invisible support (from a stranger), or no support, condition. All participants were subject to an acute standardised stress testing protocol where cardiovascular indices were monitored throughout. Results from a factorial ANOVA showed no significant interaction between support and attachment on any cardiovascular reactivity parameter (SBP, DBP, HR) or any main effect of attachment or support. These findings suggest that, in this case, social support was not effective in buffering the effects of stress across various attachment styles. The benefits of incorporating a developmental perspective to the study of social support and health are discussed.

Social Support Is Inversely Associated With Sleep Disturbance, Inflammation, and Pain Severity in Chronic Low Back Pain.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant cause of disability, lost wages, and healthcare costs. Inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), have been associated with LBP severity. Patients with CLBP commonly experience sleep disturbance, and poor sleep has been shown to increase pain severity and inflammation. In contrast, social support may benefit patients with CLBP by reducing pain intensity and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of social support on the relationships among sleep disturbance, inflammation, and pain severity in patients with CLBP. In a cross-sectional study, men and women with CLBP were enrolled from an outpatient pain clinic. Participants completed psychometric instruments for social support, sleep quality, and pain severity. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Linear regression revealed greater sleep disturbance predicted greater pain severity. In contrast, participants who reported higher social support had lower sleep disturbance and lower pain severity. Mediation analysis revealed sleep disturbance to mediate the relationship between social support and pain, such that sleep disturbance reduced the benefit of social support on pain severity. Furthermore, greater sleep disturbance and lower social support predicted increased IL-6. However, IL-6 did not mediate the relationship between social support and pain. The findings suggest that increased social support is associated with lower sleep disturbance, lower inflammation, and lower pain severity in patients with CLBP. Assessing the extent of social support and fostering social support as part of a comprehensive pain management program may benefit patients with CLBP. Interventions to strengthen social support systems and cultivate support from family and/or informal social networks may reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life.

The balance of giving versus receiving social support and all-cause mortality in a US national sample

While numerous studies exist on the benefits of social support (both receiving and giving), little research exists on how the balance between the support that individuals regularly give versus that which they receive from others relates to physical health. In a US national sample of 6,325 adults from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, participants were assessed at baseline on hours of social support given and received on a monthly basis, with all-cause mortality data collected from the National Death Index over a 23-y follow-up period. Participants who were relatively balanced in the support they gave compared to what they received had a lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who either disproportionately received support from others (e.g., received more hours of support than they gave each month) or disproportionately gave support to others (e.g., gave many more hours of support a month than they received). These findings applied to instrumental social support (e.g., help with transportation, childcare). Additionally, participants who gave a moderate amount of instrumental social support had a lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who either gave very little support or those who gave a lot of support to others. Associations were evident over and above demographic, medical, mental health, and health behavior covariates. Although results are correlational, one interpretation is that promoting a balance, in terms of the support that individuals regularly give relative to what they receive in their social relationships, may not only help to strengthen the social fabric of society but may also have potential physical health benefits.

Social Support for HIV AIDS Sufferers Who Experience Stigma and Discrimination: A Systematic Review

HIV AIDS is one of the most stigmatized medical conditions, so people living with HIV / AIDS face various obstacles and need support from their social environment. Stigmatization can hinder seeking medical care, concealing treatment status, and non-compliance. This study aimed to explore the benefits of social support for PLHIV. Application of PRISMA guidelines on four databases (Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Proquest). 17 articles were collected from the 2016 to 2020 study range, in English, and used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed study designs. 1 article using field notes, 6 interviews, and 10 articles using a questionnaire. Stigma reduces the spirit of life which has an impact on the quality of life so that it has a broad impact on physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Social support has benefits such as managing emotional disorders, adhering to taking ARVs, improving coping and mental health.

Mobilising social support to improve mental health for children and adolescents: A systematic review using principles of realist synthesis.

Social support is a well-recognised protective factor for children's mental health. Whilst many interventions exist that seek to mobilise social support to improve children's mental health, not much is known about how to best do this. We sought to generate knowledge about the ways in which social support can be mobilised to improve children's mental health. We conducted a systematic review, which followed the principles of a realist synthesis. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, Child and Adolescent Studies, EconLit and SocINDEX. Studies were included if the age of participants was between 0 and 18 years and they evaluated or described programme theories of interventions that sought to improve children's mental health by mobilising social support. Relevance and quality of studies were assessed, and data were extracted and analysed narratively. Thirty-three articles were included. Studies varied substantially with regard to the detail in which they described the processes of mobilising social support and expected mechanisms to improve children's mental health. Those that provided this detail showed the following: Intervention components included explaining the benefits of social support and relationships to families and modelling friendly relationships to improve social skills. Pathways to improved outcomes reflected bi-directional and dynamic relationships between social support and mental health, and complex and long-term processes of establishing relationship qualities such as trust and reciprocity. Parents' ability to mobilise social support for themselves and on behalf of children was assumed to impact on their children's mental health, and (future) ability to mobilise social support. Although interventions were considered affordable, some required substantial human and financial resources from existing systems. Mobilising social support for vulnerable children can be a complex process that requires careful planning, and theory-informed evaluations can have an important role in increasing knowledge about how to best address social support and loneliness in children.

Mental illness self-disclosure among college students: a pre-requisite of social support or a booster of social support benefits?

Background Self-disclosing a concealable stigmatized identity (CSI) such as mental illness is generally associated with enhanced psychological well-being. Research also supports the link between social support and psychological well-being. Yet, few theoretical explanations exist for the role that mental illness disclosure plays in the association between social support PWB. Aims To test two competing models linking self-disclosure to psychological well-being: a mediator model in which self-disclosure indirectly contributes to psychological well-being via social support quality (i.e., self-disclosure is a pre-requisite of social support), and a moderator model in which self-disclosure enhances social support benefits (i.e., self-disclosure is a “booster” of social support benefits). Method College students (N = 174) who identified as being diagnosed with a mental illness completed an online survey. Results Structural equation modeling results largely supported both the mediator and the moderator models; however, which model statistically outperformed the other depended on the confidant (e.g., mother, friends). Conclusions These findings suggest the validity of conceptualizing social support as both pre-requisite of social support and the “booster” of social support benefit on psychological well-being.