The Social Ecology of Natural Supports

TLDR: The classic medical model, which has been criticized as inadequate for dealing with mental health issues, largely presumes unique causes and may be inadequate for medicine as well as discussed by the authors, and there is evidence that stressful life events are closely related to disease processes.

Abstract: The behavioral sciences are currently undergoing what may be a paradigm shift (Kuhn, 1970). Systems approaches and ecological models are replacing simple causal explanations with systems of reciprocal interdependences. The classic medical model, which has been criticized as inadequate for dealing with mental health issues, largely presumes unique causes and may be inadequate for medicine as well. There is evidence that stressful life events are closely related to disease processes (Holmes & Masuda, 1974). External Stressors, however, can be mediated by successful coping strategies (Felton, Brown, Lehmann, & Liberatos 1980; Pearlin & Schooler, 1977). Social affiliation is a major coping resource whether for hunting, warfare, or personal well-being. Recognition of the importance of these factors for the understanding of behavior has stimulated new areas of research. One such area that is receiving a good deal of attention is that of social networks and social supports: the variety of social contacts that an individual maintains and their function in aiding adaptation and adjustment.