How do social support networks mediate the effects of discrimination, trauma, and stress? Social support networks have been shown to play an important role in how individuals cope with various forms of adversities such as discrimination, trauma, and stress. In this essay, I will discuss how these social support networks can mitigate the negative impact of discrimination, trauma, and stress on individuals' mental health and well-being.
Social support refers to the availability of emotional, instrumental, and informational resources provided by family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members that are essential for coping with daily life challenges. It has been established that individuals who receive strong social support from their family, friends, and other significant others tend to experience fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder than those without such support. This is because social support networks provide a sense of belonging, validation, acceptance, and security, which helps reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, and fear.
Discrimination is defined as prejudice or unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability status, etc., often leading to negative consequences such as reduced access to opportunities, poor quality of life, and diminished psychological well-being. Studies show that individuals who experience discrimination are more likely to suffer from increased levels of stress and trauma, leading to adverse physical and psychological outcomes.
Studies also indicate that having close relationships with people from similar backgrounds or communities can help alleviate some of the harmful effects of discrimination.
African Americans who have close ties with other African Americans report lower rates of psychological distress compared to those who do not have such ties.
Trauma refers to exposure to an event or series of events that causes intense physical, mental, and emotional reactions, including shock, fear, and helplessness. Trauma can arise from various sources, such as natural disasters, accidents, violence, abuse, or assault. People who experience trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, and hypervigilance. Social support networks play an essential role in helping individuals recover from trauma by providing comfort, empathy, and validation during challenging times.
Research has found that social support was associated with decreased PTSD symptoms among survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
Stress is a state of tension arising from perceived demands on one's resources, including time, energy, and attention. Stress can be positive when it motivates individuals to perform better at work or school, but excessive or prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems like heart disease. Studies suggest that social support can buffer against the negative impact of chronic stress by reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, promoting resilience, and enhancing coping skills.
Studies show that social support reduces cortisol levels - a hormone associated with stress responses.
Social support networks are critical for mitigating the adverse effects of discrimination, trauma, and stress on individual well-being. By providing emotional, instrumental, and informational resources, these networks help individuals feel supported, validated, and secure, which ultimately improves their mental health and quality of life. Therefore, fostering strong social connections with family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members can have profound benefits for our overall health and well-being.
How do social support networks mediate the effects of discrimination, trauma, and stress?
Social support systems are known for their ability to lessen the impacts of negative experiences such as discrimination, trauma, and stress. In this context, social support refers to the resources that an individual receives from family members, friends, peers, and other individuals who are close to them (Kendall, 2019). This is because social support can serve as a buffer between negative external factors and an individual's well-being.