Psychological support
Psychological support refers to a range of interventions aimed at addressing the psychological and emotional needs of individuals, families, and communities, particularly during times of crisis or stress. These interventions encompass emotional support, counseling, and the provision of coping strategies to enhance mental well-being and resilience. The goal is to alleviate psychological distress, promote adaptive functioning, and prevent the development of mental health disorders. Effective psychological support is tailored to the specific needs of the recipients and may involve both professional services and community-based approaches.
Forms of psychological support:
Emotional support: Offering empathy, concern, affection, love, trust, acceptance, intimacy, encouragement, or caring to help individuals cope with stressors.
Affirmational Support: Offering encouragement and validation of an individual's efforts, strengths, and abilities. This form of support helps boost self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing a sense of worth and capability.
Peer Support: Support provided by individuals with shared experiences, such as support groups for mental health conditions, addiction recovery, or bereavement.This type of support fosters a sense of community and mutual understanding.
Informational support: Providing advice, guidance, suggestions, or useful information to assist individuals in problem-solving.
Companionship support: Giving individuals a sense of social belonging through shared social activities.
Instrumental Support: Providing tangible, practical assistance to help individuals manage daily life tasks, such as financial assistance, transportation, or helping with household chores. This support is often critical for those going through difficult times, like illness or life transitions.
Mental Health Foundation, (18 February 2022). Peer Support. Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/mdNhk.
Mayo Clinic Staff, (17 December 2024). Mental health: Know when to get help. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/R220L.
Rook, K. S. (1987) Social support versus companionship: Effects on life stress, loneliness, and evaluations by others. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(6), 1132–1147. Retrieved from: https://shorturl.at/hN6N9.