Supporting Families under Stress: The Role of Social Networks

The role of family social networks in mediating the effects of stress has been underscored in the literature. Drawing from sociological and psychological studies, this paper examines the strong positive relationship between social networks and a family's adaptation to societal crises, life transitions and family conflicts. Who helps and when, the types of support offered and given, the conditions influencing the use and effect of networks, and the implications for professional intervention are discussed.