Humans are social beings. Our lives depend on each other. We begin as infants who are dependent on others to care for us, and we learn about the world around us through the filter of others. Our connection to others is essential not only for our survival but also to our happiness and health (Gray, 2010).
When social connections are disrupted, infrequent, or less than meaningful, individuals often experience stress, and this can lead to health issues. The social fabric of an individual’s life is intricately connected to that person’s health and sense of security, self-esteem, and well-being.
The social context of stress refers to the unique social issues and circumstances that are relevant to stress and can affect stress. These issues are unique to our times. During the last few decades, the social context of stress includes issues such as social support (or the lack of it), communication patterns (specifically incivility), lack of connection with nature, and the pervasiveness of technology.
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND STRESS
As human beings, we benefit from our social relationships, and they challenge our adaptability and health. We strive to connect with others, and the number of contacts we make with others (including friends, acquaintances, and family members) best predicts both our physical and our emotional health. Our level and quality of social support acts as a buffer or protective layer against the wide variations of transitions we experience during our lives (Taylor & Master, 2011).
Why is this so? Social support makes the individual feel cared for, loved, valued, and part of a mutually supportive network. Companionship, emotional support, assistance, financial or material help, and information and/or advice are all benefits of a caring social network (Scholten, 2011).