Stress and Social Support Essay Example

the availability of chemotherapy and the services of a good hospital can lessen the worries that give additional pressure to the situation.Informational support means simply giving correct advice or proper information to help someone stressed out understand or solve his problem.

For example, patients who are admitted to hospitals for an acute coronary syndrome can be more pressured by unsolicited advice from relatives and concerned friends or incomplete guidance from their doctors.  In a study made by Carla Boutin-Foster (2005, par. 18), one of the patients pointed out his need for informational support by saying, “I really don't like it if someone tells me all the things I should be doing, but doesn't teach me how to do those things".Most of the time, people are stressed because of poor self-esteem and appraisal support.  Using positive comments and affirmative responses to these persons can help relieve the unnecessary pressures they are bringing on themselves.  For example, a child who feels incapable of getting good grades and is sensitive about it can be helped by parents who consistently point out the small academic achievements that the kid makes.

Socializing or being able to talk to many people may help someone escape the problems that are causing his stress or find suggestions on how he can pull himself out of his situation.Social support is vital in finding the solution to stress but what is important would be to know where the pressures are coming from to be able to find the correct ways  to deal with the situation.  Proper perspective of the situation always helps before any answer can be sought.