Social Support Interactions Research Articles

Factors Influencing Social Isolation among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Social isolation, which has numerous adverse effects on health status, is prevalent among cancer patients. This review proposes to identify the influencing factors of social isolation among cancer patients. (2) Methods: Articles published in English or Chinese from six electronic databases before December 2023 were identified via a systematic search. A manual search was also performed. (3) Results: Twenty-eight studies were identified in this systematic review. The factors associated with social isolation can be summarized into the following categories: demographic characteristics, having cancer, health status, coping, social support and social interaction. Despite the heterogeneity, 20 factors were significantly associated with social isolation, including age, gender, comorbidity burden, education level, residence, medical insurance, occupation status, personality, race, smoking status, having children, not living alone, household income level, marital status, the role of primary caregiver, physical health status, mental health status, social health status, coping styles, and the level of social support and social interaction. (4) Conclusions: The systematic review showed that cancer patients’ social isolation was influenced by their demographic characteristics, cancer-related factors, physical condition, psychological status, social health status, coping styles, and level of social support and social interaction. In addition, future group intervention could be considered to improve social isolation.

A Comparison of Loneliness and Social Support among South African Older Persons during a Pandemic

Pandemics, such as the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in March 2020, have a negative impact on older persons’ (60 years and older) physical and mental health. Research on the effects of Covid-19 on older persons’ experience of loneliness and self-reported social support has predominately originated from the Global North. Applying the strengths perspective, the present study aimed to determine and compare the loneliness and social support among South African older persons during a pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was operationalised to collect data from community-dwelling older persons (n = 139) and older persons residing in residential care facilities (n = 99) through purposive sampling across five South African provinces. A loneliness scale was used to measure the respondents’ overall loneliness, including emotional and social loneliness. A social support scale was used to measure the availability of social support across four domains. The survey focused on social contact, number of close friends/relatives, socio-demographics, and subjective physical and mental health, respectively. Independent samples t-tests were run to explore any statistically significant differences between the two groups. Community-dwelling older persons were found to present with marginally higher levels of loneliness. No statistically significant differences were identified between the two groups. Community-dwelling older persons measured higher on social support than their peers in residential care. Two domains of social support, namely, affectionate support and positive social interaction, were found to be significantly different (p < 0.01). Based on the study’s results, implications for strengths-based gerontological social work services in resource-constrained settings during a pandemic were delineated.

Variability of Social Inclusion Patterns Involving Personal, Family and Social Characteristics in Latino Migrant Families in Spain

ABSTRACTMigration entails important changes for families. Despite existing evidence on the process of adaptation, little is known about the degree of social inclusion in a context of high cultural affinity. We examine the variability of social inclusion patterns, indexed by personal, family and social conditions, in 263 Latin American families, with at least one child under 12 years, migrating to Spain. Three profiles of social inclusion were identified using cluster analysis: High inclusion (32%), characterized by a good financial and job situation, low perception of economic difficulty, good social support and medium scores in attraction to neighbourhood and community belonging and high scores in neighbourly relationship. Partial inclusion (35%) was characterized by ratings of extreme economic difficulties and lack of job, high scores in perceived economic hardship, high scores in all types of social support (instrumental, emotional and affectionate support and positive social interaction) and high scores in attraction to neighbourhood and community belonging, and medium scores in neighbourly relationship. Finally, Low inclusion cluster (33%) was characterized by moderate economic difficulties and lack of a job, high scores in perceived economic hardship, low scores in all types of social support and low neighbourhood cohesion in all the factors. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that a model comprising family composition, size of social networks and years of residence in the community increased the probability of belonging to the Partial or Low inclusion profiles compared with the High inclusion one. In conclusion, the heterogeneity in the patterns of social inclusion and their intersection with family conditions suggests the need for targeted intervention actions to reduce the risk of social exclusion.

Developing a Multiprofessional Mobile App to Enhance Health Habits in Older Adults: User-Centered Approach.

Although comprehensive lifestyle habits are crucial for healthy aging, their adherence tends to decline as individuals grow older. Sustaining a healthy life over time poses a motivational challenge. Some digital tools, such as smartphone apps aimed at promoting healthy habits, have been used to counteract this decline. However, a more profound investigation is necessary into the diverse experiences of users, particularly when it concerns older adults or those who are unfamiliar with information and communications technologies. We aimed to develop a mobile app focused on promoting the health of older adults based on the principles of software engineering and a user-centered design. The project respected all ethical guidelines and involved the participation of older adults at various stages of the development of the app. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data collection. The study was conducted in Ribeirão Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil, and involved 20 older adults of both genders who were aged ≥60 years and enrolled in the Physical Education Program for the Elderly at the University of São Paulo. The research unfolded in multiple phases, encompassing the development and refinement of the app with active engagement from the participants. A total of 20 participants used a mobile health app with an average age of 64.8 (SD 2.7) years. Most participants had a high school education, middle-class status, and varying health literacy (mean score 73.55, SD 26.70). Overall, 90% (18/20) of the participants owned smartphones. However, 20% (4/20) of the participants faced installation challenges and 30% (6/20) struggled with web-based searches. The focus groups assessed app usability and satisfaction. Adjustments increased satisfaction scores significantly (Suitability Assessment of Materials: 34.89% to 70.65%; System Usability Scale: 71.23 to 87.14). Participant feedback emphasized font size, navigation, visual feedback, and personalization, and suggestions included health device integration, social interaction, and in-app communication support. This study contributes to the development of health care technologies tailored to the older adult population, considering their specific needs. It is anticipated that the resulting app will serve as a valuable tool for promoting healthy habits and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

The Relationship of Parental Support with Student Learning Outcomes in Social Studies Learning Class V at SD Negeri 01 Sri Basuki Way Kanan 2021/2022

In social studies learning at the basic education level such as elementary school (SD), good social interaction and mutual support between parents and children are needed. However, there are still many parents who do not provide support or tutoring for their children so that their children do not get proper learning outcomes as expected. This study aims to determine the relationship between parental support and student learning outcomes in Social Studies learning in Class V at SD Negeri 01 Sri Basuki Way Kanan. This type of research is correlational research with quantitative methods. The sample in this study amounted to 40 fifth grade students of SD Negeri 01 Sri Basuki in the 2021/2022 academic year. The instruments in this study were questionnaires and documentation. Data collection techniques using questionnaires and documentation. The data analysis technique uses the "Product Moment Correlation" formula. The results of hypothesis testing obtained that the calculated r value is greater than the r table value, then the hypothesis proposed by the researcher is accepted, so it can be concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between parental support and student learning outcomes in social studies learning class V at SD Negeri 01 Sri Basuki Way Kanan. Keywords: Learning Outcomes, Parental Support, Social Studies

Supporting Teaching Assistants in a Community of Practice

We present a framework that supports physics teaching assistants in their teaching duties during exercise classes and that fosters their professional teaching development. The framework relies on the concept of Communities of Practice combining pedagogy with strategies and support for social interaction. We are discussing the positive effects of this novel approach on teaching, as well as its challenges.

Kepatuhan Pasien pada Program Therapeutic Community

This research aims to determine the factors that influence the compliance of drug abuse patients in participating in therapeutic community programs at social drug rehabilitation institutions. This research is a systematic journal using the preferred item reporting method for systematic and meta-analysis (PRISMA) from online databases. Therapeutic community programs in social drug rehabilitation institutions do not all run smoothly, so it is necessary to know the factors that influence the compliance of patients who are victims of drug abuse in participating in therapeutic community programs in social drug rehabilitation institutions. The results of this research show that the factors that influence patient compliance in participating in a therapeutic community program include family factors, a counselor's skills in interacting with counselors, economic factors, peer factors, environmental factors including social support, social relationships and social interactions. The conclusion of this research is that there are factors that influence patient compliance in participating in the therapeutic community program in social drug rehabilitation. Keyword: Adherence, Drug Abuse, Therapeutic Community

Health Literacy among Korean American Immigrant Women in the USA: Role of Social Support

ABSTRACT Health literacy is associated with health behaviors and outcomes. Using Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study examined the role of limited English proficiency (LEP) and social support for the health literacy of Korean American immigrant women, one of the most affected groups by LEP. Researchers surveyed 232 Korean American immigrant women in a metro area in a Southeastern state, U.S. Health literacy was measured by the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire and the California Health Interview Survey. Participants with better English proficiency and larger social support had higher health literacy. LEP and social support interaction was significantly associated with health literacy, illustrating social support as a buffer that mitigates the negative impact of LEP on health literacy. Community programs that enhance social support through community health advocates or peer educators may increase health literacy and reduce health disparities among Korean American immigrant women with LEP.

Supporting social interactions to improve MOOC participants’ learning outcomes: a literature review

IntroductionThe need for more scalable, accessible and affordable education, coupled with technological advancements in information sharing technology and collaborative platforms has led to the growth of MOOCs (massive open online courses). The growth of MOOCs has resulted in learning becoming increasingly distributed, affordable and flexible compared to traditional classroom education, allowing individuals in disadvantaged groups to access high quality educational materials. However, new challenges emerge, most notably with MOOCs’ low completion rates. Among the reasons for a low completion rate, lack of interaction with peers is cited as a major reason, yet, interventions to promote social interaction has received relatively less attention. From a constructivist perspective, social interactions among peers are essential in helping individuals learn. This systematic literature review aimed to understand social interaction interventions in MOOC settings. This includes constructs measured as learning outcomes and how they were measured.MethodsLiterature articles were sourced from multiple databases and filtered for inclusion using the PRISMA process and its four phases. Twenty articles were included in the final review.ResultsResults of the review showed that social interactions fall into three categories: discussion forums, learning groups and one-to-one interactions with peers. Learning outcomes investigated were grouped into four categories: knowledge, social engagement, learning engagement and learner experience.ConclusionAcross the studies, there were clear positive effects of social interaction on learning outcomes. Intervention strategies include sending prompts for individuals to use discussion boards and also grouping learners by homogeneity based on their learning engagement. However, more experimental studies are necessary to bolster the evidence of a causal impact of social interactions. Also, further research should be done to understand potential mediating factors that contribute to the success of implementing social interactive elements in MOOCs.

"I am not the same as before": a mixed-methods study on depression in people with spinal injury in Qatar.

The objectives of the study were to determine depression prevalence; identify relationships between depression and cause and site of spinal injury, sociodemographic factors, and social support; and explore the lived experiences of depression in people with spinal injury in Qatar. A sequential cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted. In the quantitative component, the universal sample consisted of 106 consenting individuals presenting with spinal injury at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar between January and December 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess levels of depression and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey was used to assess perceived social support. The cause and site of injury were obtained from patient records. In the qualitative component, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 purposively selected participants from the quantitative component. Spinal injury had a negative impact on participants physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. In total, 69% of participants had some level of depression: 28% mild, 25.5% minimal, and 15% moderate to severe. Depression was not associated with socio-demographic factors, or the cause or site of spinal injury. Higher levels of emotional/informational support and positive social interaction were associated with milder depression. Social support and religious faith were critical in assisting participants to cope with their new situation. Depression is prevalent among people with spinal injury attending health services. Early detection, referral, and treatment of depression are recommended. Strategies to enhance emotional/informational support and positive social interaction should be developed and tested with people with spinal injury.

KEPUASAN KERJA KARYAWAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING UNTUK INTERAKSI SOSIAL DAN SOCIAL SUPPORT TERHADAP KINERJA PADA PERUSAHAAN

This research aims to examine and analyze job satisfaction as intervening social interaction and social support on performance at the Mulia Grand Manufacturing company. The research method used is quantitative. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire method. The sample used was 130 respondents, namely all employees in the production division of the converting division. The hypothesis will be tested using the SEM PLS method via WarpPLS version 7 software. The results of the research have proven that: 1). Social interaction has a positive and significant effect on performance through job satisfaction. 2).Social support has a positive and significant effect on performance through job satisfaction. 3). Job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on performance. 4). Social interaction has a significant positive effect on job satisfaction. 5).Social support positive and significant effect on job satisfaction. 6). Social interaction has a positive and significant effect on performance. 7).Social support has a negative and insignificant effect on performance. It can be concluded that there is a significant positive influence of social interaction on performance through job satisfaction, meaning that the relationship between social interaction and performance will increase with job satisfaction. On the other hand, this research proves that there is a significant positive influence social support on performance through job satisfaction, meaning social support influence on performance with work satisfaction. This research also proves that there is a significant positive influence of job satisfaction on performance,

Interaction of social support and depressive symptoms on antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV in South Africa.

Depression consistently emerges as a significant predictor of poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among adult people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). However, a gap exists regarding how social support and depressive symptoms can interact to influence ART adherence among adult PLHIV in South Africa (SA). To investigate the interaction between social support and depressive symptoms on ART adherence among adult PLHIV. A tertiary hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province of SA. Utilising a quantitative cross-sectional research design along with time location sampling technique (TLS); the study recruited 201 adult patients enrolled in an ART programme. The results indicated that depressive symptoms were significantly associated with ART adherence with and without the interaction (B = -0.105; odds ratios [OR] 0.901; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.827, 0.981; p = 0.016), while social support was not significantly associated with ART adherence (B = 0.007; OR 1.007; 95%CI = 0.989, 1.025; p = 0.475). However, a statistically significant interaction was found between social support and depressive symptoms (B = -0.006; OR 0.994; 95%CI = 0.989, 1.000; p = 0.037) on ART adherence. Based on the results, depressive symptoms significantly influenced ART adherence. However, social support did not buffer the adverse effects of clinical depression associated with poor ART adherence. This study provides an evidence-based approach to address gaps in the mental health and social well-being of PLHIV in the context of ART adherence.

Presenteeism and social interaction in the "new normal" in Japan: a longitudinal questionnaire study.

Although social interaction and social support during the "new normal" due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be related to presenteeism, the effect between these factors has not been clear for Japanese workers. The aim of this study was to describe the presenteeism of Japanese workers with reference to social interaction and social support following the lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 and to assess whether social interaction and social support affected their presenteeism. The data were obtained from internet panel surveys from October 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple linear regression was conducted using the data from the first, fourth and fifth surveys, which were conducted during October to November 2020, July to August 2021, and September to October 2021, respectively. To measure presenteeism, questions from "absenteeism and presenteeism questions of the World Health Organization's Heath and Work Performance Questionnaire", short version in Japanese was utilized. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to investigate the effects of social interaction and social support-related factors on presenteeism. A total of 3,407 participants were included in the analysis. The mean score of absolute presenteeism from the fifth survey was 58.07 (SD = 19.71). More time spent talking with family, a larger number of social supporters and a higher satisfaction level for social support were associated with a higher absolute presenteeism score. Our results suggested that social support reduced the presenteeism of the Japanese workers during the "new normal" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social interaction with family also relieved presenteeism.

Psychological and pedagogical support of younger schoolchildren with speech disorders in the conditions of a special educational institution

The proposed article highlights the peculiarities of psychological and pedagogical support of younger schoolchildren with speech disorders in the conditions of a special educational institution. It was determined that in order to achieve the effectiveness of psychological and pedagogical support for pupils with speech disorders, modern research recommends creating certain pedagogical conditions, namely, implementing a set of tools that contribute to the development of the educational and educational process. The research, based on a questionnaire, presents the opinions and experiences of the team members of the psychological and pedagogical support of younger schoolchildren in a special educational institution. The results revealed that the majority of pedagogical workers have an appropriate level of professional competence and practical skills necessary for successful work with children who have special educational needs, in particular, with speech disorders. It was determined that psychological and pedagogical support should be comprehensive and based on a multidisciplinary approach. It was determined that a special educational institution can be considered the optimal environment for the development of communication skills in children. It has been established that an important strategic step is to increase awareness and awareness of speech and communication difficulties among all employees of a special educational institution in order to create an appropriate educational environment. The obtained results of the study proved that the support of social interaction and the development of communication skills for children with speech disorders is vital, because it can help them acquire social and emotional skills for successful adaptation in adult life. However, according to research findings, parents and teachers do not sufficiently understand the needs of these children in the classroom and feel a lack of resources to provide adequate support.

Effects of Social Support Provided by Disabled Older Adults to Others on Their Own Depressive Symptoms: A Moderated Mediation Model.

While previous studies have extensively examined the impact of receiving positive social support during social support interactions on depressive symptoms among older adults, adverse effects experienced, such as being rejected or ignored, are often overlooked. Moreover, there has been limited discussion on the effects of giving social support to others. Thus, this study investigates the impacts of social support given by disabled older adults to others on their own depressive symptoms, as well as the mediating role of receiving social support (both positive and negative aspects) and the moderating effect of the activity of daily living (ADL). This cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in Wenzhou and Jiaxing City, China, from September 2021 to September 2022, with a total of 255 disabled older adults meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were collected face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. The participants were asked to complete the Barthel Index Scale, the Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Social Exchange Scale, the Giving Social Support questionnaire, and the Short Form Chinese Geriatric Depression Scale to measure disability, receiving positive and negative social support, giving social support, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, mediation effect tests, and moderation effect tests were used to analyse the questionnaire data. The social support provided by disabled older adults to others primarily involved companionship and care. The positive aspect of social support received was largely emotional support, while the negative aspect was mainly characterised by failure to obtain help and unsympathetic behaviour. Providing social support was found to be associated with a potential beneficial effect on depressive symptoms, linked to lower severity, with this effect fully mediated by receiving social support. Specifically, receiving emotional support accounted for 56.63% of the effect size, while failure to obtain help and unsympathetic behaviour contributed 21.55%, and rejection and neglect collectively accounted for 21.83%. Additionally, the effect was partially moderated by ADL, with older adults exhibiting lower ADL scores showing a greater benefit from both giving and receiving social support compared to those with higher ADL scores. It is imperative to recognise and encourage disabled older adults to provide social support to others, especially emotional support, while reducing negative feedback, such as neglect and unnecessary blame. This could alleviate their depressive symptoms and promote psycho-social well-being.

Everyday discrimination, co-ethnic social support and mood changes in young adult immigrants in Germany–Evidence from an ecological momentary assessment study

ObjectiveIn the context of international migration flows, Germany is the second largest receiving country of migrants in the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the momentary mood effects of discrimination experiences for young adult immigrants and which social resources can buffer negative effects. A distinction is made between the importance of inter and intra-ethnic interaction partners in processing stressors. MethodUsing an ecological momentary assessment design, first-generation migrants in Germany who had recently migrated from Poland, Turkey or Syria were interviewed three times a day over seven days in June 2021 (N individuals = 976; N observations = 11,470). The timing of the short surveys was chosen at random using a signal contingent sampling method. Participants reported their momentary mood and instances of discrimination, along with information on social support perception and interaction partners during the preceding hour in the context of their everyday lives. Hybrid mixed-effects regression models were estimated and the research questions were tested with three-way interactions. ResultsThe results indicate that perceived social support only moderately buffers the negative effect of everyday discrimination experiences on mood. A positive main effect on mood is observed for situational variations in perceived social support as well as for support from interaction partners. ConclusionThe findings illustrate that being embedded in supportive relationships is important in everyday life, regardless of the occurrence of stressors. Furthermore, the study suggests that the level of perceived support is more important for first-generation migrants than the ethnic origin of the support provider.

Changes and predictors of social support in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors-Results of a 7-year longitudinal study.

As social support has been shown to have beneficial effects on coping with cancer, our study aims to close the research gap on perceived social support in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. AYAs evaluated their perceived positive social support (PS) and detrimental interactions (DI) by completing the Illness-Specific Social Support Scale (ISSS-8) upon completion of acute treatment (t1) as well as 1year (t2) and 7years (t6) later. Temporal changes of social support were examined. Sociodemographic, psychological and medical factors were investigated as predictors for PS and DI by using mixed effects models. We analyzed data from 319 cancer survivors (74.9% women). At baseline, survivors reported an average score of 13.73 (SD=2.52) for PS and 3.92 (SD=2.85) for DI. Average perceived PS changed over time, while DI remained stable. Males, AYAs without a partner and AYAs with clinically meaningful anxiety or depression levels reported fewer PS. Higher effort to cope with the disease and clinically significant anxiety and depression levels were associated with more perceived DI. Existing social networks and perceived social support should be evaluated regularly in AYA-cancer survivorship. The identification and discussion of mental health of AYAs should also be a standard component in survivor consultations both during treatment and follow-up care, as elevated depression and anxiety levels were associated with fewer PS and more perceived DI.

Life satisfaction of elderly women and men

The article presents the results of an analytical review of modern publications and an empirical study of life satisfaction among women and men of elderly and senile age. The problems of studying life satisfaction and psychological well-being among older respondents, related to the formation of gender-balanced samples and the selection of adequate instruments, are noted. The results of studies of the examined characteristics in women and men, as well as in representatives of different age groups, are demonstrated. Unique factors of psychological well-being in different samples are shown. Elderly respondents noted a greater importance of health, prosperity and peace in the family, a positive attitude towards themselves and others, as well as spirituality, compared to younger respondents who were more focused on self-development and activity. A distinctive feature of this work is the comparison of the results in two groups equalized by age, level of education, professional and family status, which included 36 women and 36 men aged from 64 to 89 years. When comparing the results of these groups, differences were found only in emotional support and self-esteem of character. Life satisfaction in old and senile age does not differ between men and women, but it is associated with different variables. For women, the indicators that reflect the success of social interaction — emotional and instrumental support and self-esteem of character are the most important. Self-esteem of appearance at this age is not a resource for life satisfaction. Life satisfaction among older men is related to their self-esteem and does not differ depending on social support or sociotropy/self-sufficiency, nor on involvement in family interactions. The question is raised about the effectiveness of using the Differential Loneliness Questionnaire in this age group.

Factors influencing the development of future social workers’ soft skills

The article is devoted to the study of the impact on the development of future social workers’ social skills (soft skills). It is emphasized that today in the Ukrainian society, as a result of geopolitical, economic, demographic changes, as well as the state of war in the country, the level of expectations regarding creative solutions to various social problems by social workers and fast, clear and high-quality provision of social services has significantly increased. Citizens need prompt social support and trustful communicative interaction in social groups. The study used these research methods: analysis and generalisation of normative, psychological, pedagogical and sociological sources alongside educational and scientific programmes of Ukrainian higher education institutions on the investigated problem, including questionnaires intended for future social workers. The article identifies groups of soft skills that are considered by Ukrainian and foreign scholars, as well as by students themselves, as the most relevant for successful social work. We understand soft skills as the skills, abilities and characteristics that allow you to be competitive and successful in your professional activity. The essence of the factors influencing the development of social skills in students in higher education institutions is determined. The factors influencing the development of social skills of a future social worker are understood as the factors of objective and subjective nature belonging to the external and internal environment within which a student exists during curricular and extracurricular activities in a higher education institution; the ones which give impetus to the acquisition or improvement of certain soft skills in order to achieve a productive result in social activities. The external (global challenges and crises in the political, economic, technological, social, value-related, and educational spheres of society's functioning) and internal (ethical and moral life values, mental and motivational orientations, internal readiness for future social activities, social orientation to work with people, individual and personal development, intellectuality, level of professional competence, available experience of social work) factors of soft skills development in future social workers are substantiated and characterised. In the course of summarising the results of the analysis of the studied issues, it was concluded that it is necessary to take into account a set of factors of influence during the educational process in a higher education institution, since different factors actualise the development of different soft skills in students.

Supportive social interaction as a concept for describing the situation of persons experiencing an infertility crisis

Objective: This article presents the definitions and justification of the necessity to introduce the original concept of supportive social interaction into scholarly discourse. Supportive social interaction is understood as a group interaction encompassing speaking or listening in an informal and judgement-free environment, which is connected with the necessity – and also provides an opportunity – to reciprocally disclose the experiences, needs and personal convictions of the persons participating in the said interaction and leads to a reduction of stress. The differences between traditional approaches to support and supportive social interactions and their significance in the treatment of infertility have been outlined in this article. Theses: Supportive social interactions, a precondition of which is the occurrence of disclosure, vary in terms of quality and function from support in the traditional sense of the word. They are also a source of stress reduction in the process of treating infertility using assisted reproductive technologies. Conclusion: Supportive social interactions are increasingly important in the context of infertility treatment. The proposed concept is an essential element describing the functioning of persons experiencing an infertility crisis.