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Psychological pathways linking social support to health outcomes: A visit with the “ghosts” of research past, present, and future

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  • Uchino, Bert N.
  • Bowen, Kimberly
  • Carlisle, McKenzie
  • Birmingham, Wendy

Abstract

Contemporary models postulate the importance of psychological mechanisms linking perceived and received social support to physical health outcomes. In this review, we examine studies that directly tested the potential psychological mechanisms responsible for links between social support and health-relevant physiological processes (1980s–2010). Inconsistent with existing theoretical models, no evidence was found that psychological mechanisms such as depression, perceived stress, and other affective processes are directly responsible for links between support and health. We discuss the importance of considering statistical/design issues, emerging conceptual perspectives, and limitations of our existing models for future research aimed at elucidating the psychological mechanisms responsible for links between social support and physical health outcomes.

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  • Uchino, Bert N. & Bowen, Kimberly & Carlisle, McKenzie & Birmingham, Wendy, 2012. "Psychological pathways linking social support to health outcomes: A visit with the “ghosts” of research past, present, and future," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(7), pages 949-957.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:74:y:2012:i:7:p:949-957
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.11.023
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    11. Ziyu Wang & Anne Kouvonen & Mirja Satka & Ilse Julkunen, 2019. "Parental Social Support and Adolescent Well-Being: a Cross-Sectional Study in China," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 12(1), pages 299-317, February.
    12. Leonard Turnier & Michelle Eakin & Han Woo & Mark Dransfield & Trisha Parekh & Jerry A Krishnan & Richard Kanner & Christopher B Cooper & Prescott G Woodruff & Robert Wise & MeiLan K Han & Karina Rome, 2021. "The influence of social support on COPD outcomes mediated by depression," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-12, March.
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    15. Ellwardt, Lea & Aartsen, Marja & Deeg, Dorly & Steverink, Nardi, 2013. "Does loneliness mediate the relation between social support and cognitive functioning in later life?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 116-124.
    16. Wolff, Julia K. & Schmiedek, Florian & Brose, Annette & Lindenberger, Ulman, 2013. "Physical and emotional well-being and the balance of needed and received emotional support: Age differences in a daily diary study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 67-75.
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