title: [Social support contribution to health and the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors].
abstract: Social support refers to the presence of individuals providing emotional or material resources. Its four components are: integration, structure, function, and quality. This article presents empirical and theoretical data, as well as criticism of studies which examine the relationship between social support, global health and cardiovascular health, also evaluating direct or moderating contributions to the adoption and maintenance of health behaviours in persons with cardiovascular disease. Concrete implications for nursing practice are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Université de Montréal.
authors.forename: Maud-Christine
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chouinard
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robichaud-Ekstrand
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D014943:Global Health; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008149:Love; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011340:Problem Solving; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support