The relation of perceived and received social support to mental health among first responders: a meta‐analytic review

Abstract

There are plenty of theories that may support the protective role of social support in the aftermath of potentially traumatic events. This metaanalytic review examined the role of received and perceived social support in promoting mental health among first responders (e.g., firefighters, police officers, and paramedics or emergency medical services personnel). Results showed that the effect sizes derived from 37 empirical studies ranged from 0 to 0.46. The overall weighted mean effect size was of medium magnitude (r 5 0.27). Moreover, moderator analysis showed that the effect size of perceived social support (r 5 0.31) was significantly higher than the effect size of received social support (r 5 0.22). Participants' age and gender or research design did not exert an influence on the relationship between social support and mental health. Theoretical implications and limitations are discussed. C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.First responders are those individuals who, in the early stages of an accident or disaster, are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, and the environment. Traditionally, the definition of first responders encompasses police, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, and emergency and paramedical teams. They serve an important role in protecting the community in the aftermath of disaster and in preserving continuity of critical community functions. However, first responders experience a broad range of health and mental health consequences as a result of work-related exposures (Benedek, Fullerton, & Ursano, 2007).

Relationship between loneliness and mental health in students

“…J o u r n a l o f P u b l i c M e n t a l H e a l t h (Pajulo et al, 2001), more symptoms of depression and anxiety following stillbirth (Cacciatore et al, 2009), and greater anxiety in those undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer (Hipkins et al, 2004). A meta-analysis has also found that perceived social support was relatedis linked to mental health in emergency services personnel (Prati & Pietrantoni, 2010).…”

A socio-interpersonal approach to adjustment disorder: the example of involuntary job loss

“…The second level of the socio-interpersonal framework model captures interaction processes in close relationships, such as social support, empathy, and communication factors. Higher perceived social support was shown to be predictive of better mental health among crisis aid workers (Prati & Pietrantoni, 2010), and of less adjustment problems in cancer patients (Rizalar, Ozbas, Akyolcu, & Gungor, 2014). Likewise, the quality of social support resources seems to influence the psychological adjustment outcome after stress exposure (Ajrouch, Abdulrahim, & Antonucci, 2013; Brewin, Andrews, & Valentine, 2000).…”

Concepts of multifaceted social support in operational work in the lives of South African Police Service members

“…They form part of a group of first responders who serve the immediate needs of community members when traumatic incidents occur. Exposure to such incidents leaves them in physical and mental states of health that require social support from others (Prati & Pietrantoni, 2010).…”

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Whilst there is a relationship between social support and mental health amongst first responders on the assumption that social support mediates stress, one also finds mixed evidence of a strong and insignificant association between the two in critical incidents (Prati & Pietrantoni, 2010). This mixed evidence pertains to the following: Varying theoretical assumptions have been revealed

Orientation:

The extensive role that social support plays in the lives of South African Police Service (SAPS) members outside of the expected work networks of professionals and colleagues should be further studied to reflect on the benefits received when handling the stressful and traumatic effects of operational work.

Research purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the concepts of multifaceted social support network systems as perceived by SAPS members in the context of the Vhembe District (South Africa) in assisting them to deal with the effects of their operational work.

Motivation for the study: There is still a call in social research to focus on the influence of different functions and sources of social support.

Research design, approach and method: A descriptive phenomenological research design was used, and 20 SAPS participants were selected through purposive sampling.

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