Social Support Enhances Health

With decades of research showcasing the health benefits of a support network, it is clear that social support given to individuals improves their health. Multiple studies show that social support promotes longevity, helping reduce disease in individuals with high levels of support, and improves cognitive resilience. And a lack of support can influence someone’s chances of depression and cardiovascular disease.

The different types of support have been well-described. Received support is tangible help, such as a drive to a medical appointment. Perceived support relates to one having the knowledge that someone could assist when called on. Individuals enjoy emotional support when they have the ear of an intimate partner or close friend.

In addition, informational support helps an individual learn about ways to problem-solve as they gain access to tools, helping them with decision-making. Clearly, these types of social support overlap—informational or financial support are types of received support, and perceived support can relate to many types of support.

Researchers have linked all types of support to positive health outcomes. Multiple meta-analyses and studies evaluating the role of social support and its relationship to health conclude that social support is, according to Frontiers in Psychology, a “significant predictor of health and longevity regardless of its conceptualization and measurement.”

Support From Intimate Partners Is Often, but Not Always, Helpful

As we age, we are more likely to lose our long-term partners and thus our more traditional support. Additionally, in the 21st century, Americans commonly live alone. The Census Bureau reports that almost 50 percent of those in the U.S. are currently single.

What does the research indicate about social support provided by partners as compared to acquaintances? Is support by a partner the gold standard, or can support from friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances or paid helpers enhance health just as much?

Partner support can be strong, as expected. Spouses encourage breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening. Caregiving support from a spouse can help with medication adherence, and as such, help improve blood pressure in seniors. But such intimate support can be clouded by the relationship characteristics. The support may depend on relationship satisfaction—one study showed that support of kidney patients from a partner was not helpful in those with poor relationships.

A comprehensive study on support from intimate partners concluded that there are many variables that play into the complexity of the support relationship. Additionally, sometimes when individuals suffer from stressful diagnoses such as cancer, spouses and other partners pull back as they are stressed themselves. Support from a partner may depend on how the recipient receives, or interprets, such support. Therefore, research informs us that intimate social support can help a partner—but not always.

Does Support From Non-Partners Also Improve Health?

Healthcare models of care that emphasize support can improve clinical outcomes and improve health metrics. In a study on first-time mothers, English health professionals gave appraisal support (such as “Your baby is doing so well”) and informational support (on nursing practices, for example), which helped new mothers feel more confident and could help assure good Mental health in these moms.

Support at work can help mitigate job stress and improve worker Mental health as reported in a study of 44,000 European workers. In another study, supervisor support helped make for healthier cortisol levels, which could lower blood pressure and change other health metrics for the better. The classic Whitehall study of UK workers showed that low support at work was related to more work stress and possible resultant cardiovascular disease. Isn’t it helpful for supervisors to know that support can enhance workers’ health while lack of support might cause a heart attack?!

Having supportive friends also improves one’s chances of maintaining good health. In a study on young people (ages 12-25), friends were able to encourage peers with cancer, especially as they got coaching about how best to do so.

Men can help peers decrease their blood pressure under stress, which may, in the long run, decrease cardiovascular disease. In an experiment, when men who were posed with a stressor—a difficult math problem—got instrumental support (defined as actual assistance) from another male, their blood pressure was less reactive than those who did not get support.

Does Personality Type Affect Support Acceptance?

Personality types may affect the receipt of support, as some might need more support and coaching than others in order to realize the health effects of support. Extroverts tend to have larger social circles and are more likely to seek out support. However, introverts who find too much socialization exhausting may appreciate small doses of interaction. They may need to have a listening ear (the perception of support) or need informational social support that helps problem-solve.

When and Who Should Seek Out Support So as to Improve Health?

Psychological and sociological research confirms that support of many varieties can be a boost to health. Longtime partners can serve as supporters. But if you are without a current spouse or partner, or if your partner is not suited to the support role, you might want to seek out:

• Friend support to keep your blood pressure in check
• Colleague support to lessen job stress
• Support groups, such as those provided by the American Cancer Society, to help you deal with a new illness

Despite the changes of the last hundred years that have resulted in more Americans living alone, there are many times that it is beneficial to connect with and get support from others.