Relationships play an important role in how people cope with stress and build emotional resilience. Stress can be defined as "the physical, mental, and emotional response to events that make demands on people"(American Psychological Association, 2019), while resilience refers to "the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors" (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018). Relational support includes social connections such as friends, family members, romantic partners, colleagues, acquaintances, and communities that provide psychological support, help with coping strategies, and promote positive outcomes. Coping strategies are actions taken to deal with stressful situations, including cognitive reappraisal, problem solving, avoidance, emotional regulation, and seeking support from others. The way individuals respond to stressors is influenced by their relationships and how they perceive them. People who have strong relational supports tend to experience less negative affect during stressful experiences and recover more quickly afterward. This happens because relational support provides emotional validation, encouragement, comfort, empathy, and advice, which helps individuals develop better coping skills. Research has found that individuals who have higher levels of relational support are more likely to use active coping strategies than passive ones, suggesting a link between relational support and effective coping styles.
Not all forms of relational support are equally beneficial for coping with stressors; some types may actually increase stress and undermine resilience.
Controlling or possessive relationships can cause more harm than good, leading to feelings of isolation and increased distress. In addition, there is evidence that relationships where one person overwhelmingly dominates the other can negatively impact emotional well-being. It is important to note that different people may cope differently depending on their personalities and experiences; therefore, finding appropriate coping strategies that fit each individual's needs is crucial.
It is essential to consider that some stressors cannot be avoided or resolved without professional help; therefore, seeking assistance when needed is essential.
Having healthy, supportive relationships can enhance coping abilities, build emotional resilience, and improve overall well-being.
How does relational support interact with coping strategies, stress regulation, and emotional resilience?
Relational support has been found to have a significant impact on one's ability to cope with stressful situations by providing an outlet for individuals to express their feelings and receive validation from others. This can help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms that allow them to better manage stress and maintain emotional resilience. Research suggests that social support networks, such as family and friends, are particularly important in promoting positive mental health outcomes in times of distress.