The lack of social support and psychiatric morbidity implications for primary prevention

The purpose of this review is first, to relate the theoretical models used to explain the relationship between the lack of social support and psychiatric morbidity, to models for designing and planning primary prevention programs; second, to examine the evidence for or against the competing theoretical research; and third, to outline the resulting implications for primary prevention research. The seven prospective cohort studies reviewed support the relationship between social support and psychiatric morbidity, however, they were inconclusive in favouring one theoretical over another. The intervention studies suggested social supports may enhance the psychological well-being of persons going through a life-crisis, yet there was no definitive proof that preventive manoeuvres were effective. The author concludes by arguing for launching primary prevention trials using social support approaches.