Social support as coping assistance.

Abstract

It is useful to reconceptualize social support as coping assistance. If the same coping strategies used by individuals in response to stress are those that are applied to distressed persons as assistance, models of coping and support can be integrated. To illustrate the utility of such an integration, coping strategies and support strategies are derived from a more general theory of stress-buffering processes in this article. A variety of supportive strategies not previously identified by researchers are derived. Further, predictions regarding efficacious and nonefficacious types of support are made, and empathic understanding (based on sociocultural and situational similarities between a distressed person and a helper) is identified as a crucial condition for coping assistance to be sought, accepted, and found effective.Considerable research now indicates that social support reduces, or buffers, the adverse psychological impacts of exposure to stressful life events and ongoing life strains (Cohen & Wills,

Depressive symptoms in later life: differential impact of social support and motivational processes on depression in individuals with and without cognitive impairment

“…Lazarus (1991) differentiates problemfocused from emotion-focused coping. Instrumental support and problem-focused coping are both directed at managing a stressful situation, whereas emotional support and emotion-focused coping are directed at relieving negative emotions during a stressful situation (Thoits 1986). In particular, proactive coping-the active endeavour to improve one's life-was found to be negatively associated with depression (Greenglass et al 2006).…”

“…In particular, proactive coping-the active endeavour to improve one's life-was found to be negatively associated with depression (Greenglass et al 2006). Thus, accepting Thoits' (1986) definition of social support as coping assistance, the providers of social support help the receiver cope successfully with stressful situations, which in turn decreases the risk of a depressive reaction. This is in line with the findings of Greenglass (1993), who found an association between social support and proactive coping.…”

Compassion fatigue and psychological distress among social workers: A validation study.

“…Theoretically, individuals working in the caring professions often attempt to alter the behaviors and emotions of their clients by providing emotional support (e.g., empathy), strategies for coping with emotions, or better cognitive management skills (Boscarino, 1997;Francis, 1997;Thoits, 1986). Within the context of formal caregiving, providing therapy to clients who have survived a traumatic event can be particularly stressful (Figley, 1995 (Figley, 1995;Nelson-Gardell & Harris, 2003;Schauben & Frazier, 1995).…”

“…Studies have shown that providing such care can be both highly rewarding and highly stressful (Ohaeri, 2003). Individuals working in the caring professions, though, may have occupational environments and caregiving demands that increase the likelihood of adverse psychological outcomes (Figley, 2002a;Sabin-Farrell & Turpin, 2003).Theoretically, individuals working in the caring professions often attempt to alter the behaviors and emotions of their clients by providing emotional support (e.g., empathy), strategies for coping with emotions, or better cognitive management skills (Boscarino, 1997;Francis, 1997;Thoits, 1986). Within the context of formal caregiving, providing therapy to clients who have survived a traumatic event can be particularly stressful (Figley, 1995 (Figley, 1995;Nelson-Gardell & Harris, 2003;Schauben & Frazier, 1995).…”

Determinants of functioning and well-being among individuals with schizophrenia: An integrated model

“…Research in the general population has found that social support can act as a source of "assistance" in coping with stress (Thoits, 1986). However, only one published study has investigated the relationship between social support and coping among people with schizophrenia (MacDonald, Pica, McDonald, Hayes, & Baglioni, 1998).…”