Informal social support refers to the support provided by family members, friends, coworkers, neighbours, or acquaintances who are not professionally trained to provide emotional assistance. This type of support can come in many forms such as listening, advice, comforting, problem solving, practical help, and reassurance. Research has shown that this form of support is beneficial for individuals facing stressful situations, as it helps them feel understood, cared for, and less alone.
Some forms of informal support may be more effective than others in buffering against interpersonal stressors. The following are some of the most effective forms of informal social support:
1. Listening: Active listening involves providing a nonjudgmental and empathetic ear to someone who needs to vent their feelings. It provides emotional support without offering solutions or trying to fix the problem. By simply being present and listening attentively, one can show care and concern for another's wellbeing. Studies have found that active listening reduces distress and improves overall mood.
2. Reassurance: Offering reassurance means providing words of encouragement and support that affirm the person's worthiness and capabilities. It shows that you believe in them and can help boost self-esteem and confidence.
Saying "You got this" or "You will figure it out" can be very helpful during times of stress.
3. Practical help: Providing practical help means assisting someone with tasks they find difficult or overwhelming. This could include running errands, cooking meals, cleaning, or childcare. Research has shown that practical help reduces stress levels and increases feelings of competence and control.
4. Advice: Giving advice means providing information and suggestions on how to handle a situation. While not all advice is necessarily welcome, it can be useful when offered at the right time and in the right way. Be sure to ask permission before giving advice and avoid making assumptions about what the other person wants to hear.
5. Comforting: Showing compassion and understanding through comforting gestures such as hugs, pats on the back, or holding hands can provide much-needed physical and emotional support. It lets the individual know that they are not alone and cared for by their loved ones.
6. Problem solving: Helping someone work through a problem involves brainstorming solutions together and providing guidance on which options are best suited to their specific needs. This form of support requires active listening and empathy to truly understand the problem and its impact on the individual.
Informal social support can play an important role in buffering against interpersonal stressors. The forms discussed above have been found to be particularly effective in reducing distress and improving overall wellbeing. By offering these types of support, individuals can feel more connected, supported, and empowered to overcome challenges.
Which forms of informal social support most effectively buffer against interpersonal stressors?
Stress can be defined as an individual's response to demanding situations that exceed their abilities to cope with them. It may manifest itself physically or emotionally through physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, or anxiety attacks, for example. Social supports are resources individuals can draw upon when they feel overwhelmed by stressful situations.