7 Social Support and the Social Context of Health Free Online FlashCards

What is a social network?

A social network is the set of relationships a person has, such as family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and community groups.

What does emotional support provide?

Emotional support provides empathy, reassurance, affection, or a listening ear.

How do social isolation and loneliness differ?

Social isolation describes limited relationships or contact; loneliness is distress about relationships not meeting one's needs.

Does a larger social network always mean more support?

A large network does not guarantee meaningful support: someone may have many contacts yet feel lonely, while someone living alone may have dependable connections.

What is the stress-buffering pathway?

In the stress-buffering pathway, support helps a person manage a stressful event, such as by listening or providing a ride to treatment.

How can social relationships negatively affect health?

Relationships can also harm health by normalizing risky behavior, spreading inaccurate advice, or adding strain through conflict, criticism, or controlling behavior.

What makes support helpful in chronic illness care?

Helpful chronic-illness support addresses practical or emotional needs while respecting the person's preferences and role in care decisions.

How should culturally responsive care address a patient's beliefs?

Culture can shape how people understand symptoms, express distress, make decisions, seek help, and define health. Responsive care asks about individual beliefs rather than assuming them from identity.

How can socioeconomic conditions shape health?

Income, education, employment, and housing can affect health directly and indirectly by shaping risks, stress, time, transportation, food choices, and access to care.

How should care teams involve a patient's support network?

With the patient's permission, chosen family, friends, or peer groups can help connect a care plan to daily life; these networks should complement, not replace, appropriate health services.

What is informational support?

Informational support provides advice, explanations, or help finding reliable services.

What is instrumental support?

Instrumental support is practical help, such as transportation, meals, childcare, or assistance with daily tasks.