The Role of Social Support in Coping With Stress

Stress is a multidimensional response that occurs when external demands exceed an individual’s coping capacity, often resulting in negative physical and psychological outcomes. Social support—defined as emotional, instrumental, and informational assistance from one’s social network—has been identified as a protective factor that buffers the impact of stress and promotes adaptive coping. This article applies a literature review method by analyzing relevant scholarly works on the relationship between stress and social support. The findings consistently highlight that social support reduces stress levels, fosters resilience, and contributes to improved well-being. Moreover, the type and effectiveness of support vary across populations and contexts, indicating the importance of tailoring interventions to specific needs. These insights underscore the significance of cultivating supportive environments in both personal and organizational settings. Future studies are encouraged to explore cultural variations and to develop practical strategies that strengthen social networks as a means of stress management.