Relational supports refer to the network of interpersonal connections that individuals have with others in their lives. These can include friends, family members, romantic partners, coworkers, and others who provide emotional support and validation for the individual. Relational supports are important because they can help individuals feel connected to others, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and promote positive mental health outcomes. Research has shown that relational supports can buffer against negative experiences such as stigma, exclusion, and psychological distress. Stigma refers to negative social attitudes towards certain groups of people, such as those who identify as LGBTQ+. Social exclusion involves being ostracized from social groups due to perceived differences, such as gender nonconforming behavior. Psychological distress refers to emotional suffering caused by stressful life events or personal traits.
Studies have found that individuals who experience internalized stigma related to sexual orientation or gender identity may be more likely to report higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to their counterparts without internalized stigma.
Research suggests that having strong relational supports may mitigate this effect.
One study found that among individuals who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, asexual/aromantic, or something else (LGBTQ+) and reported experiencing discrimination, those who had stronger relational ties were less likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who did not. This suggests that having close relationships with supportive people can help individuals cope with the effects of stigma-related experiences.
Another study found that LGBTQ+ youth who had greater exposure to family rejection were at increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their peers who did not face similar rejection.
Having supportive friends was associated with lower rates of suicide attempts in these youth. This finding highlights the importance of relational supports in promoting positive mental health outcomes for marginalized populations.
A study on college students found that LGBTQ+ students who felt connected to their campus community had lower levels of psychological distress than those who did not feel connected. This indicates that social support is an important factor in reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing well-being.
These findings suggest that relational supports play an important role in buffering against negative experiences such as stigma, exclusion, and psychological distress.
Relational supports are critical for promoting positive mental health outcomes by providing emotional support and validation to individuals. These supports may be especially important for marginalized groups who may experience higher levels of stigma and exclusion. By fostering strong connections with others, individuals can mitigate the effects of these negative experiences and promote resilience.