Page 217 - Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care in Clinical Practice ( PDFDrive )

192 Chapter 8. Family, Friends and Social Support

Summary

The focus for most of the other chapters in this text has been
on the person with the wound and the significant psychoso-
cial problems that they may have to confront. However, in
this chapter we explore the broader social situation and how
this can impact on the individual with the wound and how, in
turn, that patient influences it. The concept of social support
is outlined, what it is, it’s relationship to health and how this
relationship comes about. The relevance to wound care is
articulated and how this information can be used to develop
social support interventions that can improve concordance,
psychological well-being and subsequently wound healing.
One specific form of social support- that received from the
family and the spouse or partner in particular is explored in
detail. Not only are the positive benefits to the individual
with the wound detailed but the burden that may result from
providing this support outlined. Social support is an impor-
tant element in wound care and its impact should be har-
nessed by the health care professional to enhance wound
healing and psychological well-being. However, the health
care professional should also remember not to neglect the
broader family who may all be placed under considerable
burden and stress by the presence of an individual with a
wound.

Introduction

Human beings are social animals and the presence of others
can be of considerable benefit to most- improving not only
their mental but also their physical health (Thoits 2011 ).
Indeed, much psychological, medical and sociological research
has explored this phenomenon of “social support” (see
Box 8.1). Thoits ( 2010 ) defined social support as an ‘emotional,
informational, or practical assistance from significant others,
such as family members, friends, or co-workers; and that sup-
port actually may be received from others or simply perceived
to be available when needed’. Research has demonstrated that
social support is important for maintaining positive physical