Social support in couples
Subtitle: marriage as a resource in times of stress
By: Carolyn E. Cutrona.
Series: Sage series on close relationships ;; v. 13
Publisher: Sage Publications
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Thousand Oaks
Language: eng
Number of pages: 150
Subjects: Interpersonal relations.; Marriage -- Psychological aspects.; Social networks -- Psychological aspects.; Stress (Psychology); Stress management.
Description: Expressions of support between partners may be more commonplace than heroic, but their cumulative effects on the growth of trust, enduring love, and commitment can be considerable - even life-saving in the face of otherwise overwhelming tragedy. Skillfully weaving together the latest research with engaging case examples and practical applications, author Carolyn E. Cutrona offers an in-depth analysis of how committed partners can serve as resources for each other in stressful scenarios.

Beginning with a fresh overview of definitions and concepts, Social Support in Couples articulates the vital components of intimate support systems. This informative volume explores the phenomenon of marital communication through real-life interactions, focusing on gender-related differences, the interplay between supportive and destructive interactions, and stress experienced during chronic/disabling illness.

In a concluding chapter, a research agenda for future study opens the topic up to additional serious consideration. A reader-friendly examination of the power of supportive acts, Social Support in Couples is recommended for a wide readership, including academics, practitioner, and students in family studies, social psychology, social work, and marriage and family counseling.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 128-143) and index.
Table of contents: title: What is social support, and what makes you think you have it?; title: Gender related differences in social support and coping; title: Giving and taking support : a complicated process; title: The interplay between conflict and social support : do positive behaviors really matter?; title: In sickness and in health : when one partner has a serious illness; title: Social support therapy with couples; title: Future research directions.