Strong social support systems, which in epidemiologic studies are
associated with decreased morbidity and mortality, have been hypothesized
to mitigate the harmful effects of stressful stimuli on the individual. The
authors found that, among 256 healthy elderly adults, individuals with good
social support systems tended to have lower serum cholesterol and uric acid
levels and higher indices of immune function; these correlations were
independent of age, body mass, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and degree of
perceived psychological distress. Thus, social support systems may
intervene between the stressful stimulus and the physiologic response to
that stimulus.Abstract Teaser