Social Support, Stress and the Buffering Hypothesis: A Theoretical Analysis

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Abstract
This chapter presents a theoretical analysis of a number of different mechanisms through which interpersonal relationships may protect one from stress-induced pathology, and proposes a model of the buffering process. The possible protective effect of social support in the face of psychosocial stress is precisely stated in what has been termed the buffer or buffering hypothesis. A study by Brown, Bhrolchain, and Harris provides an example of recent research addressing the buffering hypothesis. The following discussion of the buffering hypothesis assumes that various stressors are not etiologically specific to any given somatic or psychological disorder, but enhance susceptibility to disease in general. An emotional support interpretation can be employed in the prediction of the buffering hypothesis if one assumes that the stressor lessens one's feelings of belonging and/or being loved. The model proposed below reflects the authors' assumption that it is impossible to adequately assess the buffering hypothesis without taking into account the multidimensionality of both stressful events, support systems.

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