emotional support

Meaning: Emotional support is one category of social support, the resources a person receives through relationships. It consists of listening, empathy, reassurance, love, and trust, which help a person feel accepted and cared for. The usual companion categories are: esteem support, which builds confidence and a sense of competence; informational support, which offers advice or guidance; tangible (instrumental) support, which gives money, goods, or practical help; network support, which gives a sense of belonging to a group with shared interests. Social support is thought to buffer stress. People with supportive ties tend to appraise stressors as less threatening and to cope more effectively, which is linked to better mental and physical health.

On the MCAT: A passage describes a scenario, such as a friend who listens after a job loss, a family that comforts a patient, or a peer support group. You classify the kind of support given. Other items present a study in which people with more support report less stress or better outcomes, and you predict the direction. Close family and friends (primary groups) are common sources.

Common confusion: Students label any help as emotional support. Ask what is being given. Comfort and caring is emotional. Advice is informational. Money or a ride is tangible. Praise of ability is esteem. Having a large network is also not the same as receiving emotional support, since the quality of the relationships matters.