[Social support and mental distress. Epidemiologic studies]

The clinical and experimental model of social support connects some social phenomenon (as isolation and loneliness, involvement and relationships) to health or psychophysical distress. This review of epidemiologic research, carried on USA, point out: a) the epidemiologic correlation between support and health/distress; b) frequently, the phenomenon of stress "buffered" by social support; c) the onset of psychological distress linked on support's and stress level. The clinical and preventive intervention may gets some profit from the outcome of this epidemiologic research.