Training of skills in investigating the social support network

The study of social support has mushroomed over the last decade without consensus on a theoretical or empirical definition of social support.

The prospective studies have used the terms “social network“, “social relationships“, “social support“, “social ties“, and “social activity” to refer to essentially the same phenomena-the existence, number, and frequency of social relationships.

Social support is a special kind of social interaction that can appear in different ways and that can be both a psychological and a tangible resource provided by a social network.

Social support refers to the fundamental experience that people need to stay healthy both physically and mentally, to get proper aid and comfort, and to integrate morally and behaviorally into the group or society at hand.
During the past 30 years or so of research, social support has become one of the central variables in many fields of psychology, epidemiology, public health, and education.

Social support as a phenomenon is also manifested as a form of solidarity, which occurs not only at the request of the person who feels the need to share a personal issue, but also appears, quite often, as a manifestation of anticipation on the part of the supporter.

Approach intends to point at some general needs that relate, on the one hand, to citizen’s motivations to be considered European citizens and, on the other hand, to their aim of contributing actively to strengthening the social space of the European Union.

The objectives of perpetuating a European social space can be achieved as long as this social space is regarded by its citizens as an environment where their needs can be fulfilled and where solution to difficulties associated with life events may be found.

Academic aims: The aim of the course is to provide master students with notions and techniques relevant to clinical, educational, community and occupational work to promote and maintain health and social support.

Learning objectives:

  1. The meaning of the concept of social support;
  2. Explanatory models of social support;
  3. Components of social support;
  4. Consequences of stress on social support;
  5. The “buffering” role of social support in clinical conditions.

Course structure:

  1. Course 1  – Introduction
  2. Course 2  – Fundamental concepts in social support analysis
  3. Course 3  – Structures and processes of social support
  4. Course 4  – Research methods
  5. Course 5  – Metanalysis – quantitative versus qualitative
  6. Course 6  – Instruments for measuring social support
  7. Course 7  – Relevant studies in the European area
  8. Course 8  – Health and social support
  9. Course 9  – The role of behaviour in health
  10. Course 10 – Stress and social support
  11. Course 11 – Social support and coping
  12. Course 12 – Aspects of the relationship between psychopathology and social support
  13. Course 13 – Training of social support network investigation skills – counselling skills
  14. Course 14 – Social support network investigation skills

Course support:

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FORMAREA COMPETENȚELOR DE INVESTIGARE A REȚELEI DE SUPORT SOCIAL – Suport de curs / TRAINING OF SKILLS IN INVESTIGATING THE SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK

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