Social Support: Definition, Types, and Impact on Well-being

Question 1

Which of the following definitions best describes the concept of social support?

Accepted Answer

Social support includes emotional, practical, and informational assistance, along with a sense of belonging and validation from others.

Answer

Social support involves any type of assistance or resources provided by external sources, such as individuals, groups, or organizations.

Answer

Social support is restricted to tangible and practical help, such as financial aid or physical assistance.

Answer

Social support refers solely to the emotional comfort and reassurance found in close relationships.

Question 2

Which of the following is **NOT** a known benefit of social support?

Accepted Answer

Increased feelings of loneliness

Answer

Increased feelings of self-worth

Answer

Reduced risk of depression

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 3

Describe a real-world example of a social support intervention. Explain its purpose, how it works, and its possible benefits.

Accepted Answer

Weekly gatherings at a community center for people with disabilities

Accepted Answer

Online support groups for those grieving

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety

Answer

Government food assistance programs for low-income families

Question 4

How does social support promote overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

It can reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, and improve health outcomes.

Answer

It can lead to social isolation.

Answer

It only benefits individuals with extensive social networks.

Question 5

Which type of social support is most effective in assisting individuals through personal challenges?

Accepted Answer

Emotional support

Answer

Instrumental support

Answer

Financial support

Answer

Informational support

Question 6

What is a social network?

Accepted Answer

A network of interconnected individuals who provide support and resources to one another.

Answer

A group of individuals who share a common interest.

Answer

A collection of people living in proximity.

Question 7

How do social networks contribute to a sense of belonging?

Accepted Answer

They provide individuals with a sense of connection, purpose, and identity.

Answer

They can increase feelings of social anxiety.

Answer

They only benefit highly extroverted individuals.

Question 8

What is the key difference between instrumental and emotional support?

Accepted Answer

Instrumental support involves providing practical assistance, while emotional support focuses on offering emotional comfort.

Answer

Both instrumental and emotional support involve practical help.

Question 9

How does social support aid individuals in managing stress?

Accepted Answer

It can act as a protective buffer against stressors and foster resilience.

Answer

It only benefits highly resilient individuals.

Answer

Its stress-reducing effects are solely short-term.

Question 10

What are some potential limitations of relying on social support?

Accepted Answer

Availability and reliability may vary, and seeking help can be challenging.

Answer

Social support is always readily available and reliable.

Answer

Asking for help is never difficult.

Question 11

Which strategies can help build and maintain strong social networks?

Accepted Answer

Investing time in relationships, engaging in social activities, and reaching out to others.

Answer

Only interacting with similar individuals.

Answer

Focusing solely on building online connections.

Question 12

How does culture influence social support?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors shape how individuals provide and receive support.

Answer

Culture only influences how individuals provide support.

Answer

Culture has no impact on social support.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary type of social support?

Accepted Answer

Academic assistance

Answer

Tangible support

Answer

Emotional support

Answer

Informational support

Question 14

How does social support contribute to well-being?

Accepted Answer

It reduces loneliness and provides a sense of belonging.

Answer

It solely increases physical health.

Answer

It exclusively improves academic performance.

Question 15

Which concept refers to the network of individuals with whom an individual interacts?

Accepted Answer

Social network

Answer

Social circle

Answer

Social support system

Answer

Social group

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of a strong social network?

Accepted Answer

High levels of reciprocity and interdependence

Answer

Large number of connections

Answer

Homogeneity of members

Answer

Absence of any conflicts

Question 17

What is the role of social support in coping with stress?

Accepted Answer

It provides both a safe outlet for emotions and reduces perceptions of stress.

Answer

It eliminates stressful situations altogether.

Answer

It increases susceptibility to stress.

Question 18

How can social support be measured?

Accepted Answer

Through self-report questionnaires, interviews, or observational methods

Answer

By counting the number of social contacts

Answer

Only through physiological indicators

Question 19

Which of the following is a way to promote social support?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging social activities and connections

Answer

Ignoring the need for social support

Answer

Isolating individuals from social interactions

Answer

Reducing access to resources

Question 20

What is the relationship between social support and mental health?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support is protective against mental health problems

Answer

Strong social support can lead to poor mental health

Answer

Social support has no impact on mental health

Question 21

How does social support contribute to physical health?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves immune function

Answer

It can lead to decreased physical activity

Answer

It has no effect on physical health

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social support?

Accepted Answer

Hostility and criticism

Answer

Comfort and empathy

Answer

A sense of belonging and acceptance

Answer

Assistance and guidance

Question 23

According to social exchange theory, individuals engage in social interactions primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize rewards and minimize costs

Answer

Develop a sense of identity

Answer

Reduce uncertainty and anxiety

Answer

Strengthen their self-esteem

Question 24

Which type of social support is characterized by providing tangible, practical assistance?

Accepted Answer

Instrumental support

Answer

Emotional support

Answer

Companionship support

Answer

Informational support

Question 25

Which of the following factors can lead to a decrease in an individual's social support network?

Accepted Answer

Geographic mobility and relocation

Answer

Religious involvement and community ties

Answer

Marriage and family commitments

Question 26

According to the buffer hypothesis, social support:

Accepted Answer

Moderates the impact of stressful events on health outcomes

Answer

Acts as a direct cause of stress in some situations

Answer

Has no significant effect on health and well-being

Question 27

According to the social support theory, which of the following is a crucial factor in determining the perceived effectiveness of social support?

Accepted Answer

The perceived availability of support

Answer

The social status of the support provider

Answer

The type of support provided

Answer

The actual amount of support received

Question 28

Which of the following is a recognized benefit of having a robust social support network?

Accepted Answer

Improved physical and mental health

Answer

Reduced sense of purpose

Answer

Lowered self-esteem

Answer

Increased risk of anxiety disorders

Question 29

What is the term for the social network of individuals who provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging?

Accepted Answer

Social convoy

Answer

Support group

Answer

Social circle

Answer

Peer network

Question 30

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a strong and supportive social network?

Accepted Answer

High levels of cohesion and reciprocity

Answer

Large number of connections

Answer

Wide range of acquaintances

Answer

Proximity of members

Question 31

What type of social support is provided when an individual offers guidance or information to assist in problem-solving?

Accepted Answer

Informational support

Answer

Companionship

Answer

Practical support

Answer

Emotional support

Question 32

Which of the following is a potential consequence of having insufficient social support?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of mental health issues

Answer

Enhanced self-confidence

Answer

Improved physical well-being

Answer

Stronger cognitive abilities

Question 33

What is the term for a social group with which an individual strongly identifies and compares themselves to?

Accepted Answer

Reference group

Answer

Social circle

Answer

Peer group

Answer

Support network

Question 34

How can social support networks contribute to a sense of belonging?

Accepted Answer

By providing shared identity, shared experiences, and a sense of community.

Answer

By fostering feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Answer

By reducing the need for personal growth and development.

Question 35

Which of the following is a known benefit of social support for overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Improved physical health outcomes

Answer

Reduced resilience and coping abilities

Answer

Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation

Answer

Lowered self-esteem and self-confidence

Question 36

What is the concept of reciprocity in the context of social support?

Accepted Answer

The mutual expectation that individuals provide and receive support from one another.

Answer

The obligation to support only immediate family members.

Answer

The belief that support should always be given unconditionally.

Question 37

How can cultural factors influence the provision of social support?

Accepted Answer

By shaping expectations and norms about who is responsible for providing support and how it is given.

Answer

By prohibiting individuals from seeking support outside their immediate family.

Answer

By eliminating the need for social support entirely.

Question 38

How can social support assist individuals in coping with stressful situations?

Accepted Answer

By providing emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging and connection.

Answer

By eliminating the source of stress entirely.

Answer

By preventing individuals from experiencing negative emotions.

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential consequence of insufficient social support?

Accepted Answer

Increased vulnerability to physical and mental health problems.

Answer

Greater feelings of well-being and happiness.

Answer

Enhanced resilience and coping abilities.

Question 40

How can individuals strengthen and expand their social support networks?

Accepted Answer

By actively building and maintaining relationships, engaging in social activities, and seeking professional support when necessary.

Answer

By isolating themselves from others and limiting social interactions.

Question 41

In what way does social support contribute to an individual's well-being?

Accepted Answer

It provides a sense of belonging and purpose in life.

Answer

It guarantees perpetual physical health.

Answer

It eliminates all life stressors.

Answer

It leads to immediate financial stability.

Question 42

Which type of social support involves providing practical assistance?

Accepted Answer

Instrumental support

Answer

Emotional support

Answer

Informational support

Question 43

How do social networks contribute to social support?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate opportunities for interaction and sharing of experiences.

Answer

They guarantee the elimination of social isolation.

Answer

They ensure an equal distribution of resources.

Question 44

Which of the following factors can negatively impact the effectiveness of social support?

Accepted Answer

Lack of trust

Answer

Frequent social interactions

Answer

Diversity within the support network

Answer

Physical proximity of support providers

Question 45

In what way can social support help individuals cope with stressful situations?

Accepted Answer

It provides emotional regulation strategies.

Answer

It increases physical strength.

Answer

It eliminates all sources of stress.

Answer

It guarantees automatic financial stability.

Question 46

Which of the following is a potential consequence of inadequate social support?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of depression

Answer

Boosted self-esteem

Answer

Enhanced physical health

Question 47

How does social support influence social identity?

Accepted Answer

It shapes our sense of belonging to particular groups.

Answer

It eliminates all forms of prejudice.

Answer

It determines our financial status.

Answer

It guarantees equal social opportunities.

Question 48

Which of the following is a key characteristic of effective social support?

Accepted Answer

Responsiveness

Answer

Intermittent availability

Answer

Unconditional criticism

Answer

Lack of empathy

Question 49

How can social support impact physical health?

Accepted Answer

It may reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Answer

It ensures complete immunity to all diseases.

Answer

It eliminates the need for medical interventions.

Question 50

A close friend offering you emotional comfort and understanding after a personal loss is an example of which type of social support?

Accepted Answer

Emotional Support

Answer

Instrumental Support

Answer

Companionship Support

Answer

Informational Support

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT generally considered a benefit of strong social support networks?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of social comparison and feelings of inadequacy

Answer

Improved mental well-being

Answer

Reduced stress levels

Answer

Enhanced coping skills and resilience

Question 52

According to the 'buffering hypothesis,' what role does social support play in managing stress?

Accepted Answer

Reduces the negative impact of stressful events on overall well-being

Answer

Has no effect on stress levels

Answer

Eliminates all sources of stress in a person's life

Question 53

A student asking their professor for guidance on an academic assignment is an example of what type of social support?

Accepted Answer

Informational Support

Answer

Instrumental Support

Answer

Emotional Support

Answer

Companionship Support

Question 54

Which of the following factors is MOST likely to negatively impact the effectiveness of social support?

Accepted Answer

Perceived lack of reciprocity or imbalance in the relationship

Answer

Having a large number of social connections

Answer

Sharing similar interests with support providers

Question 55

Social isolation, characterized by a significant lack of meaningful connections, has been linked to an increased risk of:

Accepted Answer

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

Answer

Improved physical health outcomes

Answer

Enhanced cognitive function

Answer

Reduced stress levels

Question 56

The concept of 'social capital' in sociology refers to:

Accepted Answer

The resources and benefits individuals and communities can gain from their social networks

Answer

The absolute number of friends and acquaintances a person has

Answer

The financial assets and wealth of individuals

Question 57

Which of the following is an example of 'instrumental support'?

Accepted Answer

A neighbor lending you their lawnmower to help you cut your grass

Answer

A family member offering words of encouragement and validation

Answer

A group of friends going out for a social gathering

Answer

A therapist providing emotional counseling

Question 58

A person who confides in a close friend about a personal challenge is likely to experience:

Accepted Answer

A sense of validation, understanding, and emotional support

Answer

Immediate resolution of the challenge

Answer

Increased financial stability

Question 59

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the 'direct effects hypothesis' of social support?

Accepted Answer

A person's mood improves simply by spending quality time with loved ones

Answer

A person avoids a stressful situation after receiving advice from a trusted friend

Answer

A person feels less stressed after receiving financial assistance from a family member