Social support and renal care

Social support has been found to have a strong influence on health but the precise way in which this works is not agreed. Definitions of social support also vary. This paper considers these definitions and theories and goes on to look at how social support affects coping, its possible negative aspects, and reciprocity in giving and receiving support. These ideas are then applied to the role of confidants and lay supporters as well as professional support. Finally the discussion is related to renal nursing.