Delivery of social support: The social inoculation.

A review of the literature on health breakdown and susceptibility to mental and physical illness points to a pervasive relationship between health status and the insufficiency or disruption of interpersonal ties. Social marginality and loss are commonly associated with high incidence of breakdown in diverse forms. The mechanism by which social relationships may affect the immunological system, and the social mechanisms that promote continued social ties are examined. The emergence of supportive networks and the preventive role of mental health workers are considered.