Conceptualisation and operationalisation of social support in health interventions: a scoping review

Social support influences health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions, yet there is variability in how it is conceptualised and operationalised in health research. We examined how social support is conceptualised, measured and addressed through health interventions.

Scoping review.

PubMed/Medline, Elsevier EMBASE, NIBAHL and APA PsycInfo.

Studies were included if they examined the effects of an intervention that aimed to build or strengthen social support in an adult population with a chronic health condition or disability.

We extracted data on study characteristics (study design, sample size, diagnostic group), social support outcome measures, social support domains addressed and intervention characteristics.

Across 110 studies, interventions predominantly addressed emotional support (85.1%) and informational support (54.4%), with limited attention to tangible support (5.3%). Despite previous research suggesting that affectionate support and positive social interaction are highly valued social support domains, these were addressed less often. Interventions were predominantly delivered in dyadic formats (43.9%), by peer supporters (35.1%) and mental health professionals (35.4%). Psychosocial skills development and social network expansion were the most frequently employed intervention components, each included in 45.6% of interventions. Relationship quality was the primary focus of social support assessment tools.

This review suggests that social support is most commonly conceptualised as a dynamic relational process built on emotional connection and shared experiences, rather than merely the assistance provided. Future interventions should better integrate affectionate support and positive social interaction, along with adaptability to accommodate cultural and social preferences.