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The Social Ecology of Natural Supports

  • Chapter
Community Mental Health and Behavioral-Ecology

Abstract

The behavioral sciences are currently undergoing what may be a paradigm shift (Kuhn, 1970). Systems approaches and ecological models are replacing simple causal explanations with systems of reciprocal interdependences. The classic medical model, which has been criticized as inadequate for dealing with mental health issues, largely presumes unique causes and may be inadequate for medicine as well. There is evidence that stressful life events are closely related to disease processes (Holmes & Masuda, 1974). External Stressors, however, can be mediated by successful coping strategies (Felton, Brown, Lehmann, & Liberatos 1980; Pearlin & Schooler, 1977). Social affiliation is a major coping resource whether for hunting, warfare, or personal well-being. Recognition of the importance of these factors for the understanding of behavior has stimulated new areas of research. One such area that is receiving a good deal of attention is that of social networks and social supports: the variety of social contacts that an individual maintains and their function in aiding adaptation and adjustment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, 10003, USA

    Stanley Lehmann

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  1. Stanley Lehmann
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. New York Institute of Technology at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, New York, USA

    Abraham M. Jeger  & Robert S. Slotnick  & 

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© 1982 Plenum Press, New York

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Lehmann, S. (1982). The Social Ecology of Natural Supports. In: Jeger, A.M., Slotnick, R.S. (eds) Community Mental Health and Behavioral-Ecology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3356-2_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3356-2_23

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3358-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-3356-2

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