Explaining Social Support and Its Effect on Psychological Well-being

The aim of this paper is to give introductory information regarding social support. A brief literature review regarding social support was performed. Using the review, background information, definitions of social support, different aspects of social support, the relationship between social support and self-efficacy, social support models (i.e. main effect model, and stress buffering effect model) and the effect of social support on recipient and provider are explained. The literature indicated there are two dimensions of social support: structure social support and functional social support. Structural social support refers to existence, quantity, and density of social relationships, whereas functional social support refers to quality of social relationships and type and functionality of resources provided to recipient (Chronister, 2009). In addition to it, social support is divided into two categories: perceived versus received social support. Research shows that social support has positive effect on psychological well-being. Overall, social support has potential beneficial effects on mental and physical health. The paper can be a useful tool for someone who aims to have a general overview of those constructs