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Support Types

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Support types are categories of messages and behaviors people use to help others cope with stressful life events. There are two broad support categories, emotion-focused support and problem-focused support. Emotion-focused support is directed at mitigating emotional upset and includes all support types that primarily assist people in dealing with difficult emotional experiences that are a result of upsetting life events. Emotion-focused support strategies include emotional support (expressions of care and concern), esteem support (reassurances of worth), and network support (expressions of inclusion and connection). Problem-focused strategies are all those strategies that are directed at resolving the problem and involve tangible aid (providing concrete aid) and informational assistance (advice) that helps the person in need mobilize resources or resolve the stressor. There are two support type models that have been empirically tested: the optimal matching model (OMM) and the sensitive interactive systems theory (SIST).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication
PublisherWiley
Pages1-9
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781118540190
ISBN (Print)9781118306055
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • communication skills
  • communication theory
  • interpersonal communication
  • strategic communication

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