The stress-buffering role of social support. Problems and prospects for systematic investigation.

摘要: Over the pase 20 years, a sizable body of literature has developed which serves to establish that stressful life events are associated with onset, incidence, and prevalence wide range physical psychiatric disorders. As measured by Holmes Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale, or similar instruments, fundamentally sociological in nature. Yet, paradoxically, research been largely limited relevant basic theory data brought yielded from investigation. Recently, however, several prominent researchers have emphasized importance studying role social support systems as possible buffers mediators stress. The most objective this paper is contribute advancement such studies clearly identifying key empirical, theoretical methodological problems suggesting some approaches their resolution. Specifically, offers: a) selective review essential status empirical knowledge; b) an examination nature significance systems; c) clarification problems; d) detailed proposals for approaching measurement design.