Protective Role Of Social Support Research Articles

How Does Perceived Social Support Impact Mental Health and Creative Tendencies Among Chinese Senior High School Students?

The senior high school period is a critical phase for the proliferation of mental health problems, as well as a key period for cognitive development among adolescents. Due to the importance of support from the external environment for students, this study aims to explore and verify the protective role of social support in the mental health and creative tendencies of senior high school students, as well as its mechanisms and boundary conditions. Based on a survey of 1463 Chinese senior high school students, a moderated mediation model was constructed. The results showed that (1) perceived social support significantly negatively predicts mental health problems and significantly positively predicts creative tendencies; (2) self-esteem mediates the impact of perceived social support on both mental health problems and creative tendencies; (3) perceived stress not only moderates the impact of self-esteem on mental health problems and creative tendencies, but also moderates the mediating effect of self-esteem. The findings of this study shed light on the positive impact of social support and the self-esteem it nurtures during the senior high school years. These insights offer valuable recommendations for practitioners aiming to prevent mental health issues and foster creative tendencies among senior high school students.

Decoding the impact of night/day shiftwork on well-being among healthcare workers

This study delved into the complex effects of work schedules on the well-being of healthcare professionals, spotlighting Nigeria’s medical landscape. A diverse cohort of 387 participants, spanning doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians or scientists, formed the research base, with the majority being women (67.7%), with a mean age of 34.67 years. Professionals self-reported their predominant schedules to gauge work patterns, classifying them as day or night shifts. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) tool assessed the quality of life across the physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental domains. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS), and perceived social support was evaluated via the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). A cross-sectional design was adopted, and the study employed moderated mediation analysis using SmartPLS 4.0. The results underscored the significant ramifications of night shifts on environmental and physical well-being. Psychological health and social relationships were better among day shift than night shift workers. There was a pronounced correlation between night shifts and heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. The mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating influence of social support in these relationships were evident. This study offers invaluable insights into the role of work schedules in shaping the well-being of healthcare professionals, emphasising the protective role of social support and the unique challenges faced by migrant health workers.

Discrimination and perinatal depressive symptoms: The protective role of social support and resilience

BackgroundDiscrimination is an important social determinant of perinatal depression; however, evidence is limited regarding modifiable social and psychological factors that may moderate this association. We examined whether social support and resilience could protect against the adverse effects of discrimination on perinatal depressive symptoms. MethodsPregnant people (N = 589) receiving Expect With Me group prenatal care in Nashville, TN and Detroit, MI completed surveys during third trimester of pregnancy and six months postpartum. Linear regression models tested the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms, and the moderating effects of social support and resilience, during pregnancy and postpartum. ResultsThe sample was predominantly Black (60.6 %), Hispanic (15.8 %) and publicly insured (71 %). In multivariable analyses, discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms during pregnancy (B = 4.44, SE = 0.37, p ≤0.001) and postpartum (B = 3.78, SE = 0.36, p < 0.001). Higher social support and resilience were associated with less depressive symptoms during pregnancy (B = -0.49, SE = 0.08, p < 0.001 and B = -0.67, SE = 0.10, p < 0.001, respectively) and postpartum (B = -0.32, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001 and B = -0.56, SE = 0.08, p < 0.001, respectively). Social support was protective against discrimination (pregnancy interaction B = -0.23, SE = 0.09, p = 0.011; postpartum interaction B = -0.35, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001). There was no interaction between discrimination and resilience at either time. LimitationsThe study relied on self-reported measures and only included pregnant people who received group prenatal care in two urban regions, limiting generalizability. ConclusionsSocial support and resilience may protect against perinatal depressive symptoms. Social support may also buffer the adverse effects of discrimination on perinatal depressive symptoms, particularly during the postpartum period.

INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND HEALTH DISPARITIES IN PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA

Abstract The protective role of social support on cognitive functioning is extensively documented. A pro-inflammatory cytokine, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf-alpha), might have a role in the connection between social support and dementia as a marker of systemic inflammation. This study describes the influence of lack of friends’ support and Tnf-alpha on cognitive functioning. We conducted a cross-sectional study on Health and Retirement Study participants aged 65 and above, using datasets from the 2016 interviews. Of the 9,262 participants, 72.4% had normal cognition. 21.3% had cognitive impairment, and 6.3% had dementia. Our regression model controlled with depression scores revealed that participants with a lack of friends’ support were 51% more likely to have cognitive impairment and 54% more likely to have dementia. The effect of Tnf-alpha was comparably higher on participants with dementia and cognitive impairment than on participants with normal cognition. Compared to quartile-1 (lowest Tnf-alpha levels), Quartile-4 (highest Tnf-alpha levels) was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR=1.60) and dementia (OR=2.37). Quartile-3 was only a significant predictor of dementia (OR=2.08). The effect of Tnf-alpha was insignificant in quartile-2 for both groups. Hispanics were 65% more, and African Americans were 67% more likely to have cognitive impairment than non-Hispanic whites. The likelihood of having dementia was even higher in racial/ethnic minorities: Hispanics were 3.3 times more, and African Americans were 2.3 times more likely to have dementia than non-Hispanic whites. Future research can focus on racial and ethnic variations in pro-inflammatory cytokines and social support among people with dementia.

Discrimination and adverse birth outcomes among Latina women: The protective role of social support.

Interpersonal discrimination has been associated with adverse birth outcomes among Black populations, but few studies have examined the impact of discrimination among Latinx/Hispanic populations in the United States, especially in conjunction with resources that could be protective. The present study examined (a) if exposure to discrimination is associated with adverse birth outcomes for Latina/Hispanic women and (b) if prenatal social support buffers these links. In two independent prospective studies of Latina/Hispanic women in Southern California (N = 84 and N = 102), the relation between maternal experience of discrimination and birth outcomes (length of gestation and birth weight) was examined. Additionally, social support was tested as a moderator of these relations. In both Studies 1 and 2, exposures to discrimination predicted adverse birth outcomes. Specifically, lifetime experiences of major discrimination predicted lower birth weight. Additionally, in Study 2, chronic experiences of everyday discrimination were linked to lower birth weight. In Study 1, major discrimination also predicted shorter gestational length. Importantly, in both studies, the presence of prenatal social support buffered associations between discrimination and poorer birth outcomes. Findings implicate discrimination as an important risk factor for adverse birth outcomes among women of Latina/Hispanic descent. Further policies, practice, and research on reducing discrimination and enhancing factors that promote resilience such as social support are needed to facilitate healthy births among Latina/Hispanic women, mitigate intergenerational harm of discrimination-related stress, and advance health equity at birth and across the lifespan. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Discrimination and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Latina Women: The Protective Role of Social Support

Supplemental Material for Discrimination and Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Latina Women: The Protective Role of Social Support

Social support and psychosocial well-being among older adults in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

The objective of the study was to identify the association between social support and psychosocial well-being among men and women aged over 65 years in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional...

‘Holding onto trauma?’ The prevalence and predictors of PTSD, anxiety and depression in police officers working with child abuse, rape and sexual exploitation victims

Research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other common mental disorders (CMDs) in police officers is limited, with the majority of research predominately conducted outside the UK, and no study quantitatively examining the role of social support in relation to the mental health of UK police officers working with victims of trauma. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of PTSD and CMD in UK police officers who investigate rape, sexual exploitation and child abuse, along with the potential protective role of social support. Participants were police officers ( n = 353) within one police area, who completed self-report measures of PTSD, anxiety, depression and social support. Results showed that 23% of officers had potentially clinical levels of PTSD, 26% had moderate to severe levels of anxiety and 35% had moderate to severe levels of depression. Female officers, those of constable rank, those working with victims of child abuse, and those with lowest levels of social support had poorer mental health. There was tentative evidence that social support statistically moderated the relationship between tenure and depression. These findings suggest the need for bespoke help for the sub-group of officers experiencing mental health problems and for further research into the potential protective role of social support.

Disability Among Older Adults Residing in Poldasht, Iran in 2018: The Role of Social Aupport as A Protective Factor

Objectives: The present study examined the role of social support in protecting against disability among older people residing in Poldasht, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran in 2018. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 305 older adults who were selected by random sampling method. The World Health Organization standardized disability scale (WHODASS2) and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) were applied to collect the data. Data analysis was run through a multiple linear regression model by SPSS software, version 23. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: The mean age of older people was 69.13±7.63 years. The highest incidence of disability was in the subscale of community participation (n=111, 36.4%) and mobility (n=111, 36.4%). The results revealed that age (β=0.32, P&lt;0.001), financial status (β=0.14, P=0.002), job (β=-0.18, P=0.02), number of physical illnesses (β=-0.21, P&lt;0.001), and social support (β=-0.17, P&lt;0.001) were predictive factors of disability among older people. Discussion: The results showed a high prevalence of disability among older people. Given the protective role of social support in reducing disability, it is suggested to consider this cost-effective factor in attempts to deal with disability and then promote the quality of life of this vulnerable group.

We Are Not Islands: The Role of Social Support in the Relationship between Perceived Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychological Distress

COVID-19 containment measures, including social distancing, quarantine, and confinement, significantly impacted social connectedness and contributed to heightened levels of perceived stress. Prior research has established that protective factors can mitigate emotional distress. This study investigated the protective role of social support in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress among a sample of university students. Participants (n = 322) completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Perceived Stress Scale, short forms of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The results indicated that high levels of perceived stress were associated with high levels of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. In terms of direct and mediating effects, social support was significant for depression and hopelessness but not for anxiety. Furthermore, the relationship between perceived stress and depression was higher for those with high levels of social support than for those with lower levels of social support. The findings suggest that in addition to enhancing social support resources, interventions must assist students in managing the uncertainty and anxiety associated with the pandemic. Furthermore, students' appraisals of support and the extent to which support is experienced as beneficial must also be examined prior to the implementation of interventions.

Health-related quality of life among mothers of children with cochlear implants with and without developmental disabilities

BackgroundCochlear implants (CIs) are widely used among children with severe to profound hearing loss. Raising a child with a CI presents unique challenges to the family, especially when the child has a developmental disability (CI-DD). AimsThis study aimed to elucidate the relations between the functioning of children with CIs, their mothers’ coping resources (i.e., social support and family-centered care), and maternal health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Also, it examined whether the presence of a DD in addition to the child’s deafness moderated these relations. Methods and proceduresA sample of 100 mothers of children with CIs (54 in the CI-DD group) completed questionnaires regarding perceived social support, family-centered care, and HRQoL. Outcomes and resultsMothers of deaf children with CIs and DD experienced lower levels of family functioning and HRQoL across all dimensions compared to mothers of deaf children with CIs without DD. In addition, social support was positively related to HRQoL only among mothers of children in the CI-DD group, indicating the protective role of social support. Conclusions and implicationsSocial support is an important coping resource, and psychosocial support is needed for mothers of children with CIs, especially for mothers whose children also have a DD.

Were there losses in social support during the pandemic? Testing the impact of COVID-19 on psychological adjustment to trauma in United States adults.

Social support is a key protective factor in the psychological adjustment of individuals to traumatic events. However, since March 2020, extant research has revealed evidence of increased loneliness, social isolation, and disconnection, likely due to COVID-19 pandemic-related recommendations that restricted day-to-day contact with others. In this investigation, we applied a case-control design to test the direct impacts of the pandemic on social support in United States adults recovering from a significant injury caused by PTSD-qualifying, traumatic events (e.g., motor vehicle crashes, violence, etc.). We compared individuals who experienced trauma during the pandemic, the "cases" recruited and evaluated between December 2020 to April 2022, to trauma-exposed "controls," recruited and evaluated pre-pandemic, from August 2018 through March 9, 2020 (prior to changes in public health recommendations in the region). Cohorts were matched on key demographics (age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, income) and injury severity variables. We tested to see if there were differences in reported social support over the first 5 months of adjustment, considering variable operationalizations of social support from social network size to social constraints in disclosure. Next, we tested to see if the protective role of social support in psychological adjustment to trauma was moderated by cohort status to determine if the impacts of the pandemic extended to changes in the process of adjustment. The results of our analyses suggested that there were no significant cohort differences, meaning that whether prior to or during the pandemic, individuals reported similar levels of social support that were generally protective, and similar levels of psychological symptoms. However, there was some evidence of moderation by cohort status when examining the process of adjustment. Specifically, when examining symptoms of post-traumatic stress over time, individuals adjusting to traumatic events during COVID-19 received less benefit from social support. Although negative mental health implications of the pandemic are increasingly evident, it has not been clear how the pandemic impacted normative psychological adjustment processes. These results are one of the first direct tests of the impact of COVID-19 on longitudinal adjustment to trauma and suggest some minimal impacts.

The protective role of social support on prenatal depression among pregnant women of advanced maternal age: a Three-Trimester follow-up study in China

The aim of this study was to compare the depressive symptoms during pregnancy between pregnant women aged over 35 years and those aged less than 35 years and to evaluate the protective effect of social support in early pregnancy against prenatal depressive symptoms. One hundred and seventy one women aged over 35 years and 342 trimester-matched women aged less than 35 years were included from a level III hospital in Shenzhen, China. The self-report Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to evaluate prenatal depression and social support in early pregnancy. The proportions of women aged over 35 years who screened positive for prenatal depression were 22.8%, 23.4%, and 24.0% in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) was a positive predictor of prenatal depressive symptoms (β = 0.747, P = 0,008). Social support, especially objective support (β = -0.030, P = 0.002) and subjective support (β = -0.028, P = 0.006) in early pregnancy, had stronger protective effects against prenatal depressive symptoms for women aged over 35 years than younger women. Our findings support that older pregnant women experience more depressive symptoms than younger pregnant women, and social support could serve as a targeted intervention to decrease prenatal depressive symptoms. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Depressive symptoms, which are strongly associated with adverse psychosocial and birth outcomes, appear to be prevalent and change in nature. Social support is an important protective factor against prenatal depression. What the results of this study add? Pregnant women of advanced maternal age experienced more depressive symptoms than younger women during the prenatal period. Social support, especially objective support and subjective support, had stronger protective effects against prenatal depression for women aged over 35 years than women aged less than 35 years. What the implications of these findings are for clinical practice? Screening of prenatal depression should be strengthened, especially for women aged over 35 years, and improving subjective support could improve their emotional experience.

Germany vs. Austria: country-specific differences in becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Becoming parents can be a big challenge, but how is this experience affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures? Methods Between 18.05.2021 and 01.07.2021, we conducted an online-survey to gain insight into becoming parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and Austria. The sample mentioned in this report consists of biological mothers living in Austria (n = 952) and Germany (n = 1012) who gave birth between the 16th of March 2020 (the beginning of the first lockdown in Austria) and the time of completion of the study. The mothers’ current stress levels were assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and postnatal depression symptoms were quantified with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Furthermore, we included questions to measure perceived social support and pandemic-related stress. Results Current stress levels (U = 555677.50, z = 5.90, p &amp;lt; .001) and postnatal depression symptoms (U = 546354.00, z = 5.15, p &amp;lt; .001) were significantly higher in the German sample as compared to the Austrian sample. Yet, Austrian mothers reported higher social support as compared to the German mothers (U = 387834.00, z = -7.48, p &amp;lt; .001). Furthermore, we found higher levels of perceived social support to be associated with lower current stress levels (rs = -.40, p &amp;lt; .001). On average, perceived stress was moderately high in both samples (MGermany = 18.58, SDGermany = 6.60; MAustria = 16.76, SDAustria = 6.57). Conclusions Stress levels and depression symptoms seem to be high and prevalent due to the pandemic and it is highly indicated to take action such as supporting families in need and emphasising social support in order to reduce mental health problems of parents as well as their children in the aftermath of the pandemic. Key messages • Findings underpin the protective role of social support against psychological distress in new parents and show the high strain at current. • Action needs to be taken in order to support parents and children at risk.

Breaking down barriers to help-seeking: preparing first responders’ families for psychological first aid

ABSTRACT Background First responders regularly encounter both operational stressors and potentially traumatic events, increasing their risk of mental health issues (Declercq et al., 2011). Due to unique cultural complexities, they turn mostly to peers for early psychosocial support (Isaac & Buchanan, 2021). However, peer support and/or mental health assistance may not always be available or easy to access and first responders’ mental health suffers. Objective We need more accessible routes to crisis intervention to ensure first responder resilience and wellbeing, so they may continue to function in the service of public safety. Family members and close friends may be ideally placed to provide this immediate care. This article outlines the protective role of social support as an early intervention strategy to mitigate the effects of first responder trauma, exploring the potential opportunity for family members and friends to play an increasingly supportive role in their loved one’s wellbeing. This paper serves as a call to action for practical educational interventions that will prepare family members for these critical conversations. Conclusion We see potential in combining early intervention theory, psychoeducation, and a strengths-based gender specific positive psychology approach. Further study should investigate how best to help first responders break down barriers to support, by bolstering their existing social supports and ultimately reducing the stigma associated with experiencing traumatic stress. HIGHLIGHTS By training family members in psychological first aid, we may strengthen existing social support for first responders, providing more options for, and potentially breaking down stigma associated with help-seeking.

Disparities and intersectionality in social support networks: addressing social inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought social injustice and inequalities to the forefront of global public health. Members of marginalised communities, such as racial/ethnic and sexual minorities, and persons with disabilities, have been shown to be more vulnerable to certain consequences of the pandemic. Research suggests a protective role of social support in health and wellness promotion, yet little is known about the disparities in specific social support sources (i.e., family, friends, and a significant other) between marginalised populations and their counterparts. Also unclear is the role of intersections of these marginalised identities in social support structures affected by the pandemic. Hence, it is crucial to capture and characterise such differences and intersectionality in order to address social inequalities in a time of global crisis. To that end, we surveyed U.S. adults across 45 states to examine their social support from family, friends, and a significant other. Results revealed the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on social support among racial/ethnic and sexual minorities and persons with disabilities. Additionally, we found that White individuals with a marginalised identity received less social support than their White counterparts but received a similar level of social support when compared with racial/ethnic minorities without additional marginalised identities. This article seeks to elucidate the social support disparities associated with disproportionately increased social isolation for marginalised populations due to socioeconomic disadvantages. Specific recommendations are provided for addressing issues around social disparities and inequalities. With the experience and awareness attained working with marginalised populations, mental health professionals, public health officials, and community stakeholders should be poised to attend to social capital inequalities for diversity, equity, and inclusion now and in the post-pandemic era.

Social Support Moderates the Impact of Marital Transitions on Depression for Older Adult Women

Given the rapid growth of older Americans and the increased incidence of divorce among this population, it is paramount to identify negative health outcomes following marital transition and investigate the potential protective role of social support. Our study aims to identify relationships between change in depression and marital transitions, test whether social support moderates this association, and to examine variation by gender. The sample included 3,705 participants from the Health and Retirement Study, who reported being married or partnered in 2012. Changes in marital status were measured between 2012 and 2014 (remained married/partnered (reference), divorced/separated, and widowed). Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression short form (CESD-8). Three types of social support from family, friends, and children were assessed: social support, social strain, and social contact. Autoregressive multiple regression was used to examine the relationship between change in depression, marital transitions, social support, and gender. Widowhood and social strain were independently associated with an increase in CESD-8 scores between 2012 and 2014. Significant interactions between social support and social strain, and separation/divorce were identified, and the relationship between social support, depression, and divorce varied by gender. Change in depression was positively associated with social support for separated/divorced females, but not separated/divorced males. These results indicate that social support may modify the influence of divorce on changes in depression among recently divorced older females. These findings can help mental health service providers more effectively target older adults at the greatest risk of depression after experiencing a marital transition.

Association of social support, spirituality with psychological factors in Iranian breast cancer survivors: An evidence from a cross-sectional study.

AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the protective role of social support and spirituality in the prevention of depression, anxiety and fatigue severity.DesignIn a cross‐sectional study, 305 women of breast cancer survivors were recruited in the study.MethodsThe participants answered a self‐reported the hospital anxiety and depression scale, fatigue severity scale (FSS), social support and spiritual health questionnaires. The data were analysed using a multiple linear regression model to estimate the adjusted regression coefficients.ResultsA greater proportion of patients had moderate depression (62.9%) and moderate anxiety (67.3%). The higher level of social support was significantly associated with a lesser degree of depression (β=−0.05, p = .001) and anxiety (β=−0.04, p = .001), but there had been no association with the severity of fatigue score, while the association of spiritual health with depression and anxiety was not independently significant. This study highlights the importance of perceived social support in the prevention of depression and anxiety.

Life Satisfaction and Psychological Distress of African Immigrants in Italy and Spain: The Protective Role of Social Support and Sense of Community

This article analyzes whether migrants’ distress factors are reduced, and life satisfaction increased by the sense of community and support from friendship or family networks, with age and length of residence serving as co-variables. Host country, gender, migration (economic/non-economic), employment (employed/unemployed) and legal status (regulated/unregulated) were all treated as moderating variables. We tested this theoretical model in two samples of African immigrants residing in Palermo (Italy) and Malaga (Spain), confirming the predictive capacity of the independent variables. Interesting results emerged relating to the effects of length of residence, employment status and support from immigrant friends.

Family risk and resilience in the context of cascading COVID-19 challenges: Commentary on the special issue.

Articles comprising this special issue on parenting and family dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic document the profound disruptions to family life posed by a cascading multisystem catastrophe as well as the capacity of families for resilience. Results of these studies during the first year of the pandemic align well with theory and past evidence on developmental risk, vulnerability, and resilience in families contending with large-scale complex disasters, while also illustrating methodological advances, such as technologies for remote data collection. The scope and duration of the global pandemic pose extraordinary, cumulative, and variable challenges to family life, highlighting the importance of preexisting as well as unfolding adaptive capabilities embedded in multiple interacting systems. Findings illustrate the importance of relationships, the vulnerability of families already at risk, and the protective role of social support for parenting. This issue represents an exciting harbinger of knowledge to come on risk and resilience processes from multisystem, multidisciplinary, and multicultural studies of the pandemic and its effects. There are critical gaps to fill and many questions yet to answer when so many systems critical to human well-being and development are disrupted, and knowledge is needed to prepare and respond more effectively to inevitable disasters of the future. It will be essential to include more diverse and representative samples, methods amenable to dynamic modeling of change and systematic aggregation of findings across studies, and long-term assessments. This special issue reflects the progress, complexities, and promise of family-focused research on risk and resilience in the time of COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).