Keywords
Social support, psychological mechanisms, physiology, review
Abstract
Contemporary models postulate the importance of psychological mechanisms linking perceived and received social support to physical health outcomes. In this review, we examine studies that directly tested the potential psychological mechanisms responsible for links between social support and health-relevant physiological processes (1980s to 2010). Inconsistent with existing theoretical models, no evidence was found that psychological mechanisms such as depression, perceived stress, and other affective processes are directly responsible for links between support and health. We discuss the importance of considering statistical/design issues, emerging conceptual perspectives, and limitations of our existing models for future research aimed at elucidating the psychological mechanisms responsible for links between social support and physical health outcomes.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Birmingham, Wendy C.; Uchino, Bert N.; Bowen, Kimberly; and Carlisle, McKenzie, "Psychological Pathways Linking Social Support to Health Outcomes: A Visit with the “Ghosts” of Research Past, Present, and Future" (2012). Faculty Publications. 6025.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/6025
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2012
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8754
Publisher
Author's Manuscript
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Psychology