What question did this study set out to answer?

To propose and evaluate a theoretical model specifying which forms of social support most effectively buffer against adverse physical and mental health consequences across different stressful events.

March 1, 1990Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

Stress and Social Support—in Search of Optimal Matching

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To propose and evaluate a theoretical model specifying which forms of social support most effectively buffer against adverse physical and mental health consequences across different stressful events.
Reviewed existing conceptual and empirical literature on stress-buffering and support-stress interactions.
Developed a novel optimal matching framework classifying stressors and corresponding supportive dimensions.
Formulated methodological standards and validation criteria for future empirical investigations.
Demonstrated theoretically that social support effectiveness is contingent on matching the specific coping requirements generated by a given stressful event.
Identified critical gaps in prior literature where unaligned or general support failed to protect against detrimental health outcomes.
Established actionable research guidelines to systematically measure, test, and validate stress-support congruence.

Implication

Theoretical review proposes an optimal matching model linking specific social support types to distinct stressors, suggesting tailored interpersonal resources best mitigate adverse health outcomes.

Abstract

Theoretical and practical advantages are discussed of a model that specifies the type of social support that is most beneficial (i.e., most effective in preventing deleterious physical or mental health consequences) following different kinds of stressful life events. Prior attempts to specify such optimal combinations of stress and social support are reviewed, and a new optimal matching model is proposed. Issues that must be addressed in the validation of optimal stress-support models are discussed, and methodological suggestions for future research endeavors in this area are offered.

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Cite This Study

Carolyn E. Cutrona (1990) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a11f9fc45487b7639a5af85 https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.1990.9.1.3

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Implication

Theoretical review proposes an optimal matching model linking specific social support types to distinct stressors, suggesting tailored interpersonal resources best mitigate adverse health outcomes.

Stress and Social Support—in Search of Optimal Matching

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Stress and Social Support—in Search of Optimal Matching

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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