title: Social support and health: a review.
abstract: This paper addresses the importance of social support to health, drawing upon relevant literature from medical, psychological and social research. Conceptual and methodological problems are addressed and two major theories ('buffer' and 'attachment') are evaluated for their relevance in explaining the nature, purpose and function of social support. Finally, possible directions for future research in this field are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Rehabilitation, University of East London, England.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Callaghan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morrissey
mesh_terms: D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009017:Morbidity; D012944:Social Support