Social Support For Individuals Research Articles

A bioecological view of interracial/same-race couple conflict

Purpose– The purpose if this study is to examine differences in conflict management strategies, relational satisfaction and social support of individuals in same-race and interracial relationships. Additionally, the authors examined associations between self-reported and observed measures of conflict management strategies.Design/methodology/approach– The current study used Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) bioecological theory as an organizing framework. Twenty individuals in interracial and same-race relationships were recruited from a large Northeastern US university. Self-report and observational measures of conflict management strategies were obtained as were individuals’ self-reported levels of relational satisfaction and social support.Findings– Results indicated a few differences in conflict management strategies between individuals in same-race and interracial dyads and no differences in social support or satisfaction. Observational measures of conflict management were largely uncorrelated with their corresponding self-report measures.Research limitations/implications– The current sample was small and consisted of students from a predominately White region of the country; thus generalizability and statistical power are limited. However, the results suggest ways interracial and same-race dyads might manage conflict differently as well as how self-reported and observational methods might differ in terms of the results obtained.Originality/value– Interracial couple relationship processes are largely unexplored, but are important to study. The current findings further suggest that self-report and observational methods should be combined to more fully portray the conflict management strategies of individuals in interracial and same-race relationships.

Multidimensional scale of perceived social support in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Social support is a very important aspect of debilitating diseases. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disabling disease that impairs a patient's quality of life and affects a patient's environment. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is used to measure the perception of the sufficiency of social support for individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship of the MSPSS to the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), age and gender in patients with OSAS. In this study, 183 subjects with a diagnosis of OSAS were enrolled. Patients were evaluated with the MSPSS in terms of age, gender and polysomnography results. According to the results of this study, the MSPSS has found to be higher in men than in women with OSAS and higher in moderate-severe OSAS than in mild OSAS. The MSPSS can be an important indicator of how patients cope with the disease.

Type D personality is associated with health behaviors and perceived social support in individuals with coronary heart disease

This study investigated the role of Type D personality in health behaviors and perceived social support in individuals with coronary heart disease. Different from other related studies, this study assessed a broader range of health behaviors in an eastern population while controlling for anxiety and depression. In all, 386 Indonesian individuals with coronary heart disease completed the measures assessing Type D, perceived social support, depression, anxiety, and health behaviors. Compared with non-Type D, Type D individuals reported more unhealthy behaviors, less healthy behaviors, and perceived less social support. For those identified as Type D, tailored interventions might be considered.

Declining social support in adolescents prior to first episode psychosis: Associations with negative and affective symptoms

Social support for individuals with psychosis is associated with decreased symptom severity, improved outcomes, and recovery. In adolescents, declining social support prior to the first hospitalization has been shown to predict time to relapse, which may have implications for early intervention. Data were collected on adolescents (n=84) following a first hospitalization for a psychotic episode in order to examine how change in social support relates to the duration and type of untreated symptoms. Most adolescents experienced a decline in social support (n=46) prior to index hospitalization. Chi-square analyses showed that declining social support was related to negative symptoms and longer duration of untreated psychosis, whereas stable social support was associated with manic symptoms and diagnosis of Bipolar disorder. When entered together into a logistic regression model, the decline in social support was primarily explained by the type of symptoms, rather than by the duration of untreated symptoms. These findings are relevant for targeting psychosocial treatments toward adolescents who may have particular deficits in social support during the prodromal phase and first episode of psychosis.

Posttraumatic growth and social support in individuals with infertility

While research on the psychological experiences of infertility has focused almost exclusively on the negative aspects, clinical experience with individuals and couples facing infertility has demonstrated that personal gain can also arise from the struggle involved. This study examined whether individuals who struggle with infertility report posttraumatic growth (PTG), and if perceived availability of and satisfaction with social support are associated with such growth. Other correlates of PTG are reported as well. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 121 individuals with infertility completed a background questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Social Support Questionnaire. While individuals reported moderate PTG, moderate availability of, and high satisfaction with social support, there was no significant association between the variables. Infertility-related variables emerged as central to explaining PTG with those with non-female related diagnoses and unexplained diagnoses demonstrating lower PTG than others (t = 2.96, t = 3.6, respectively, P < or = 0.05). Additionally, live birth deliveries was positively associated with PTG (r(2) = 0.22, P < or = 0.02), and those who engaged in clergy counseling had higher PTG than those who did not (t = 2.34, P < or = 0.02). Determinants were unexplained infertility (lower PTG) and number of live birth deliveries (higher PTG). In spite of limitations related to the convenience sampling, correlational design and subjective self-report nature of the data, findings suggest that individuals who suffer from infertility can experience personal growth. Further research will help identify correlates and provide guidance for mental health practitioners on counseling infertility patients to promote growth.

Hope and Social Support in Adults who are Legally Blind at a Training Center

Researchers have confirmed a relationship between social support and good health, lower mortality rates, and faster recoveries (Cohen & Syme, 1985; Hale, Hannum, & Espelage, 2005; Hurdle, 2001). Other researchers have focused on social support and its relationship to mental health. The promising prognoses found for physical health when adequate social support exists led to the assumption that strong social support aids in the reduction of depression, somatization (physical symptoms that arise from depression, for example), and other mental disorders. Cohen and McKay (1984), for example, theorized that social support acts as a buffer to protect individuals from the harmful physical and mental effects of stressful life events. Social support for individuals with a disability became another focus for researchers because chronic conditions have the potential to have both physical and mental components (Levine & Blackburn, 1946; Seybold, 2005). Li and Moore (1998) investigated the social variables that help an individual accept his or her disability. They found that perceived social discrimination contributed to negative outcomes and that subsequent social integration improved an individual's psychological well-being. They concluded that to achieve social integration, an individual with a disability needs a strong and supportive social network. Kef (2002) studied the effect of the size and composition of social support networks among adolescents with visual impairments. She explained that although they have smaller social networks than do sighted adolescents, adolescents who are visually impaired receive the majority of their support from family members and friends and are satisfied with this support. In a previous study, Kef (1997) found that parents provided the most important emotional support for all adolescents and that support from friends was more important to girls than to boys. She found little difference between the reported levels of social support perceived by adolescents who were blind, had low vision, or had moderate visual impairments. Beach and Robinet (1995) and Tuttle (1984) studied self-esteem and adjustment in adults who were blind. Both sets of researchers found that higher self-esteem was related to higher levels of independence. The mission of training and rehabilitation centers for people who are blind includes instilling independence and competence in skills in the people they serve. For this reason, the authors hypothesized that having received such training or the length of time spent at training centers would be associated with levels of self-esteem and hope of individuals with visual impairments. One critical step in developing self-esteem, self-identity, and stable health is for an individual with a disability or chronic illness to achieve or regain hope. Miller (2000) discussed the hopelessness that afflicts many individuals with disabilities and identified critical factors, such as setting goals, having optimism, and finding meaning in life, that are required to reestablish a sense of hope. Because initial and unexamined reactions to life-changing events or permanent disabilities are often negative, sometimes even debilitating, factors that help create positive change in the affected individuals' lives need to be examined. In the study presented here, we examined the relationship between levels of hope and social support in a sample of legally blind individuals who were actively engaged in blindness rehabilitation training. Social support from family members, friends, and a significant other were measured to examine the relationships among length of time spent at a training center, quality of social support networks, and levels of hope. We hypothesized that hope and perceived overall social support would be positively correlated. In addition, we hypothesized that participants who had previously attended a training facility or school for persons who are blind would report higher levels of hope than would those who had not, and that levels of hope would be positively correlated with the length of time the individuals had been blind. …

Gender differences in symptoms, functioning and social support in patients at ultra-high risk for developing a psychotic disorder

Gender differences have been widely observed in the clinical presentation, psychosocial functioning and course of illness in first-episode and chronic patients suffering from schizophrenia. However, little is known about gender differences in the psychosis prodrome. This study investigated gender differences in symptoms, functioning and social support in individuals at ultra-high-risk for developing a psychotic disorder. Sixty-eight ultra-high-risk patients were assessed at baseline, and twenty-seven returned for follow-up assessments approximately 6 and 12 months later. Clinical symptoms and functioning were assessed by clinical interview; social support was measured using a self-report questionnaire. There were no gender differences in demographic variables, symptoms or functioning at baseline. Males were found to have significantly higher levels of negative symptoms and marginally lower levels of functioning when baseline and follow-up time points were considered collectively. Additionally, females reported higher levels of social support at baseline. Differences in negative symptoms were found to mediate differences in functioning between male and female patients. This study suggests that gender based differences in symptom presentation and functional outcome may predate conversion to psychosis. Follow-up studies should examine the relationship between symptoms, functioning and social support in this population.

Area social fragmentation, social support for individuals and psychosocial health in young adults: Evidence from a national survey in England

This paper uses national survey data for young adults in England to explore empirically the relationships between social fragmentation in communities (measured for geographical areas), social support experienced by individuals from their immediate social circle, and psychosocial health of young adults. After reviewing previous research about these associations, we adopted an empirical approach to these questions, which was innovative in using data on area social fragmentation from a different source to the survey data on individuals. Also, we have examined the relevance for mental health of interactions between individual social support and area social fragmentation, as well as their independent associations with health. To test these ideas empirically, we present a statistical analysis, using survey data from the national Health Survey for England on young people aged 16–24 years, linked to a geographical indicator of social fragmentation, derived from the population census and with a measure of material poverty. The outcome variable was distress measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). In a logistic regression model that controls for grouping of individuals within areas we included data on individuals’ sex, ethnic group, employment status, social class and educational level. Controlling for these indicators, we demonstrate that risk of individual distress (indicated by GHQ score of 3+) was significantly and positively associated with area social fragmentation and there was a significant association with social support received within the individual's immediate social circle, which was negative (‘protective’). An index of material poverty in one's area of residence did not predict individual distress. There was no evidence that social support was more ‘protective’ in areas of greatest social fragmentation. We also note that while being in employment was associated with better mental health in this sample, higher educational level was associated with worse average levels of distress (controlling for age). We consider some of the policy implications of the findings.

Attachment and social support in the prediction of psychopathology among young adults with and without a history of physical maltreatment

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the roles that social support and attachment play with regard to psychopathology among young adults with and without a history of physical maltreatment. Attachment was conceptualized in terms of the dimensions of view of self and view of other. Attachment and social support were examined individually and concurrently as protective factors. Method The sample consisted of 956 young adults, 294 of whom had a history of physical abuse. Individuals filled out a series of questionnaires inquiring about current attachment, social support, and psychopathology symptoms. A regression design was used, examining how well attachment and/or social support predicted current psychopathology. Results Results indicated that attachment security, particularly when characterized by a positive view of self, strongly predicted lower levels of psychopathology, irrespective of abuse status. Notably, view of self was a substantially larger predictor than was view of other or social support for individuals with and without a history of physical maltreatment. Among maltreatment subtypes, psychological abuse emerged as the largest predictor of psychopathology. Conclusions The current study suggests that the attachment dimension of view of self is fundamental in predicting current psychopathology level, irrespective of abuse history. In addition, the subtype of psychological abuse deserves further investigation as a risk factor.

Social support and health behavior in hostile black and white men and women in CARDIA. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.

These cross-sectional analyses of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) data were stimulated by previous CARDIA analyses that showed an adverse association between hostility and several health behaviors: physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and caloric intake, in both black and white men and women, such that the higher the hostility, the worse the health behavior profile. The current study investigated whether high social support was associated with better health behavior than low social support in individuals with high hostility scores. The subjects were 5115 healthy black and white men and women ranging in age from 18 to 30 years. The hypothesis was that the association between hostility and certain adverse health behaviors would be diminished in the presence of high social support. Race-gender specific median cutpoints of the Cook-Medley Hostility scale and an index of social support defined levels of high and low hostility and social support. After controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), support was positively associated with more exercise in all groups except black women, but when coupled with high hostility, this positive association between support and exercise remained only in men. White women with high support were less often smokers but this association did not hold when examined only in the high-hostile group. Black men and white women with high support in the presence of high hostility consumed more alcohol, but the amount was moderate. We conclude that social support in the presence of high hostility only sometimes reduces the association of hostility to adverse health behaviors and that these effects are complex. Additional research investigating types of social support on health behavior in different race-gender groups is advocated.

Social Circles of Adults with Mental Retardation as Viewed by Their Caregivers

The Social Circles Questionnaire was developed for caregivers to rate the social support provided to adults with mental retardation from their families, workers, friends, and romantic partners. The questionnaire had good internal consistency and test-retest reliability as well as adequate interrater agreement. Results based on caregiver ratings of 121 adults with mental retardation indicate that there is a paucity of social support for individuals in many residential settings, across functioning levels. Caregivers responded with greater uncertainty to questions about friends and partners than they did to questions about staff and family. Results suggest that surveying only secondary sources may provide an incomplete view of the social support system of individuals with mental retardation.

Social conflict, social support, and psychological distress: evidence of cross-domain buffering effects.

A longitudinal study examined the relative and joint effects of perceived social support and social conflict on psychological distress in 228 college students. Women had higher perceived social support from roommates and friends and less conflict with roommates than did men; there were no gender differences in level of conflict with friends or psychological distress. Roommate conflict predicted increases in psychological distress over time; this effect was attenuated by high levels of perceived social support from friends. Friend conflict also predicted increases in psychological distress over time; this effect was attenuated by high levels of perceived social support from roommates. These results show the importance of negative and positive aspects of social experiences to emotional functioning and the importance of compensatory social support for individuals facing social conflicts.

Perceptions of social support, receipt of supportive behaviors, and locus of control as moderators of the effects of chronic stress.

The study was an attempt to explicate the results of recent research concerned with the stress-buffering effects of received social support for individuals with internal locus of control perceptions. In addition to measuring received support, perceptions of availability of support were measured; further, a proximal measure of stress was substituted for the negative life events measure of stress. Evening class business administration students who were older than the typical undergraduate served as volunteer participants. Results of the cross-sectional analyses are consistent with previous research with respect to received support as hypothesized; however, an opposite or "negative" buffering effect for internals is obtained when the measure of support is perceived reassurance of self-worth. Main effects of perceived social support, but not received support, are obtained for externals but not (with one exception) for internals. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the study of coping with stress.