Mechanisms Linking Social Ties and Support to Physical and Mental Health

2011/06/01 by Peggy A. Thoits · 4,062 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Aging and Gerontology Research #Clinical psychology #Coping (psychology) #Developmental psychology #Empathy #Health disparities and outcomes #Interpersonal relationship #Mental Health Treatment and Access #Mental health #Psychology #Psychotherapist #Social psychology #Social relation #Social support #Stressor #Sustenance

paper · doi:10.1177/0022146510395592

published in Journal of Health and Social Behavior 52(2), 145-161 (SAGE Publishing)

openalex publication_date 2011/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

Over the past 30 years investigators have called repeatedly for research on the mechanisms through which social relationships and social support improve physical and psychological well-being, both directly and as stress buffers. I describe seven possible mechanisms: social influence/social comparison, social control, role-based purpose and meaning (mattering), self-esteem, sense of control, belonging and companionship, and perceived support availability. Stress-buffering processes also involve these mechanisms. I argue that there are two broad types of support, emotional sustenance and active coping assistance, and two broad categories of supporters, significant others and experientially similar others, who specialize in supplying different types of support to distressed individuals. Emotionally sustaining behaviors and instrumental aid from significant others and empathy, active coping assistance, and role modeling from similar others should be most efficacious in alleviating the physical and emotional impacts of stressors.

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