Emotional support is an essential part of human life. It is defined as a form of comfort to an individual through verbal or non-verbal communication, which can be provided by either a professional or someone close to the individual (Coyne et al., 2017). It includes both physical and psychological support and is key to helping individuals cope with difficult life circumstances, such as facing a serious illness, bereavement, or a traumatic event (Kumar et al., 2018).
There are several benefits associated with receiving emotional support. It can contribute to an individual’s overall wellbeing by decreasing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression (Kumar et al., 2018). Additionally, it can help to increase resilience and self-efficacy, leading to better coping strategies and improved mental health (Coyne et al., 2017). Furthermore, research has found that emotional support can lead to better physical health by reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases and increasing immune system functioning (Kumar et al., 2018).
It is important to note that emotional support is not a one-size-fits-all approach and involves tailoring support to the individual’s needs and circumstances. It is also important to ensure that the support is being provided in a safe and non-judgmental environment (Pillai et al., 2020).
In conclusion, emotional support is an important and beneficial component of human life. It can have a positive effect on both psychological and physical wellbeing. Providing emotional support in a safe and non-judgmental environment is essential to ensure that the individual is receiving the most effective form of support.
References
Coyne, J. C., Aldwin, C. M., & Levine, S. B. (2017). Stress, coping, and health: The psychological and physical consequences of emotional support. Health Psychology, 36(2), 119-127.
Kumar, T. K., Unnikrishnan, B., & Kumar, P. (2018). Role of emotional support in mental and physical health. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 9(2), 107-113.
Pillai, A., Prabhu, N., & Kurian, G. (2020). Emotional support for post-traumatic stress disorder. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 42(6), 634-637.