Quality and quantity of social support as differential predictors of cardiovascular reactivity

Abstract

Social support is believed to be associated with positive health and, specifically, to be inversely related to risk factors for cardiovascular disease (such as cardiovascular reactivity). However, the theory has failed to generate substantial evidence in laboratory settings. The present study sought to clarify the relationships between social support and cardiovascular reactivity. Fifty female undergraduates were individually exposed to two computer-driven laboratory stressors while having their blood pressure and heart rate monitored. Assessments of social support and depression were derived using standardised questionnaires. Results indicate that: (a) perceived quantity of social support was associated with elevated – rather than diminished – cardiovascular reactivity; and (b) perceived quality of social support bore no significant relationship with reactivity . A negative association between depressed mood and support quality was also detected. These results imply that, in certain contexts, large network size and/or perceived quantity of support may constitute a risk factor for coronary disease.

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