Social support is defined as the perceived availability of assistance from others when needed and can come from family members, friends, romantic partners, coworkers, and even strangers. Experiences of discrimination or marginalization refer to unfair treatment based on personal attributes such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, or socioeconomic status. These experiences can result in negative psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and decreased well-being.
Research has shown that social support may buffer against these negative effects by providing emotional support, social connectedness, and a sense of belonging. This article will explore how different types of social support, including emotional support, instrumental support, informational support, and appraisal support, can help individuals cope with the experience of discrimination or marginalization.
Emotional support refers to the provision of comfort and validation during times of distress. Research has found that emotional support provided by close relationships can reduce the impact of discrimination on mental health outcomes.
Black women who reported having strong emotional support networks were less likely to experience symptoms of depression after experiencing discrimination compared to those without this type of support (Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 2015). Another study showed that gay men who had high levels of emotional support from their parents reported lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who did not have this level of support (Goldenberg & Dovidio, 2016).
Social support from friends and family members has been linked to improved coping skills and increased resilience (Cohen et al., 2013).
Emotional support can be an important resource for individuals facing discrimination or marginalization, helping them feel understood, cared for, and supported.
Instrumental support refers to practical assistance in accomplishing daily tasks. This type of support can take many forms, such as childcare, financial assistance, transportation, or job search help. Research has shown that instrumental support can buffer against the negative psychological effects of discrimination, particularly for women and racial/ethnic minorities. One study found that African American women who received instrumental support from family members experienced less stress and greater self-esteem after experiencing racism compared to those who did not receive this type of support (Miles & Kahle, 2019). Similarly, a study of Latina immigrant mothers found that receiving instrumental support from extended family members helped reduce feelings of depression related to gender discrimination (Lara et al., 2014). By providing tangible resources and support, instrumental support can help individuals cope with the challenges associated with discrimination or marginalization.
Informational support is defined as information about available resources and opportunities. This type of support can help individuals navigate systems, access services, and advocate for themselves.
Research has found that LGBTQ+ youth who had informational support from parents were more likely to report high levels of mental health and well-being than those without this type of support (Baams, 2015). Another study showed that transgender people who received informational support from their communities reported higher levels of resilience than those who did not have this type of support (Davis, 2020).
Informational support can empower individuals facing discrimination or marginalization by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to thrive despite these experiences.
Appraisal support refers to validation of one's identity and experiences. This type of support helps individuals feel understood and validated in their identities, reducing the negative impact of prejudice and stigma. Research has found that appraisal support can buffer against the negative psychological effects of discrimination, particularly among women and sexual minority groups. One study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who received appraisal support from friends and family experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not receive this type of support (Murphy et al., 2017). Another study showed that women who perceived social approval of feminism experienced less stress and greater self-esteem after experiencing sexism (Petersen & Hyde, 2019). By providing affirmation and acceptance, appraisal support can help individuals feel valued and supported even when faced with discrimination or marginalization.
Research has shown that different types of social support can help individuals cope with the experience of discrimination or marginalization. Emotional support provides comfort and validation during times of distress, instrumental support provides practical assistance, informational support gives access to resources and opportunities, and appraisal support provides validation of one's identity and experiences. Understanding the role of social support in coping with discrimination is important for promoting resilience and well-being for all individuals facing marginalization.
How do experiences of social support buffer against the negative psychological effects of discrimination or marginalization?
The experiences of social support are thought to buffer against the negative psychological effects of discrimination or marginalization by providing individuals with feelings of connectedness, belonging, and acceptance. In other words, when an individual feels supported by their friends, family members, and community, they may be better able to cope with and overcome the challenges associated with being marginalized or discriminated against.