Social Support and Health in Youth

Past research indicates that children and youth with chronic physical health problems are at increased risk for developing symptoms of internalizing psychological problems. Other research has indicated that these children receive less social support than children without health problems. Researchers and theorists suggest that social support may play a focal role in the relationship between having chronic physical health problems and psychological functioning. This book highlights a study that examined how social support from family, close friends, teachers, and classmates for a sample of almost 2,000 high school students during grade nine intervened to influence the relationship between students' long-term physical health and disability status and the development of symptoms of social anxiety and depression in grade ten. Study findings, their practical implications, and directions for future research are discussed within.