NCJ Number
190022
Date Published
2001
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews research on the protective functioning of social support for children, describes conceptual and methodological developments in the study of social support, and recommends research to aid development of effective programs and policy for children exposed to adult domestic assault.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes that social support and social networks are distinct, although they are often used interchangeably. Social networks include not only supportive ties but also negative and mixed ties. Social support refers specifically to the supportive resources available through social networks. A small but growing amount of research examines children’s social support based on both the situational specific and the developmental perspectives. Conceptual and methodological principles from the literature on adults’ social support can inform research on social support for children exposed to family violence. Among these principles are that social support is a multidimensional concept; that social relationships are two way; that social networks are fluid; and that social relationships are positive, negative, mixed, and contextual. Additional principles are that the relationship between social support and well-being is mutual; that social networks define and communicate social norms; that cultural, gender, and developmental differences exist in social support; and that multiple methods and measures are important. Existing research suggests the need for interventions to increase children’s social support to target the adults and children who will provide it as well as the children exposed to domestic violence, for efforts to enhance children’s skills at obtaining support, the coordination of formal and informal supports, and coordination of interventions for children and their mothers. 60 references