Social support

Social support refers to the perceived or actual availability of resources—ranging from emotional care to instrumental assistance—from a social network that assists individuals in coping with psychological and physical stress (Ozbay et al., 2007, PubMed). It is not a molecular target, such as a receptor or enzyme, but rather a complex psychosocial construct that influences human physiology through the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the oxytocinergic system (Reblin & Uchino, 2008, PubMed). Robust social support is associated with attenuated cortisol responses to stress, improved immune function, and enhanced cardiovascular stability. While no drugs target 'social support' directly, research into the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) often explores how pharmacological agents can enhance the biological receptivity to social support in patients with autism or social anxiety. Conversely, social isolation and lack of support are significant risk factors for increased mortality and morbidity, particularly in the context of major depressive disorder and coronary heart disease (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010, PLOS Medicine). In clinical drug development, social support is frequently evaluated as a behavioral intervention or a mediator of treatment efficacy rather than a primary molecular endpoint.

Other names

Psychosocial supportSocial integrationSocial networkSocial capitalSocial buffering

Not applicable; social support is a psychosocial construct and does not possess a direct molecular mechanism of action.