That study, and subsequent ones, led Fisher to write a section on gender roles and social support for the forthcoming U.S. surgeon general's report on smoking and health, the third on which Fisher has worked. In the report, Fisher shows that women might be more aware of social support than men. Women also seem more skilled at giving and receiving it. Men, on the other hand, frequently are raised believing that social support is a crutch. That autonomy myth is life-threatening.
Nondirective support entails cooperating and expressing an understanding of others' feelings.
In Directive support, one tries to make sure others do the right thing and feel good. The distinction is most clear in dealing with emotions. A recent study by Fisher shows that Nondirective support is more helpful for patients managing chronic illnesses. There is an exception, however. At that point, what the patient may need is, 'Don't worry about anything.