Social Support

GLOSSARY

Broadly defined as the assistance and protection given to others, especially to individuals. The forms of support can be (i) emotional (involving the provision of caring, empathy, love and trust), (ii) instrumental (providing tangible goods, services and aid), (iii) informational (offering information that assists with problem-solving), and/or (iv) appraisal (conveying or expressing that affirm the appropriateness of acts of statements made by another). See also prosocial behaviour.

A green family tree icon representing genealogy, lineage, and social network connections.
A green family tree icon representing genealogy, lineage, and social network connections.

Reference:

Langford, C. P. H., Bowsher, J., Maloney, J. P., & Lillis, P. P. (1997). Social support: a conceptual analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 25(1), 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.1997.1997025095.x