Social networks as a source of support

Résumé

Several researchers have emphasized the role of social support in reducing pain symptoms associated with a sudden loss and facilitating the adjustment to it. The beneficial effect of social support has been explained at both the macro and micro level, and is also extremely important in terms of public health. For example, it means that people who live through the experience of extreme psychosocial stress due to the loss of a child, spouse, parent or sibling but who benefit from good social support, may have better physical and mental health than those who do not have such support. They live longer, are more protected from disease, and if they get sick, they can recover faster than survivors who are not backed up by a good network of relatives and friends (Dyregrov & Dyregrov, 2008). As positive effects of support are highlighted, the literature also discusses the negative effects attributable to the lack of it. For example, inadequate or poor support can lead the person who needs help to a worsening in their management of the problem, alienating their relationships with their helpers, or triggering stress-related illnesses (Greene & Burleson, 2003). It is obvious that some people are more capable than others in arranging that their support have a positive impact; on the other hand, there are individuals who are unable to obtain significant results, despite their best intentions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved) DEUIL ENDEUILLÉ DEUIL-SUICIDE SOUTIEN-SOCIAL GROUPE-SUPPORT PAIR COPING RITUEL