Glossary // Glossary term Empirical
Social support and stress buffering
Social support refers to resources provided by relationships, such as emotional understanding, practical help and information. The buffering hypothesis proposes that perceived availability of support protects people mainly when they are under stress, by changing how stressors are appraised and responded to. Cohen and Wills reviewed evidence for both buffering effects and direct associations between social integration and well-being, with the pattern depending on how support was measured. Allostasis and allostatic load, the cognitive control of emotion, the stress-buffering effects of social support and the use of music for mood regulation explain what a night of collective movement does for the body, and what it cannot change. Perceived availability of support buffers the effects of stressful events, and sharing emotions strengthens relationships. Lasting support is built through ongoing relationships rather than single intense events. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310 Supports the claim that perceived availability of support buffers stress, while social integration has a main effect. Based largely on observational studies.Where the site uses it
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