ABSTRACT
Social support is a highly complex concept which involves the dynamic interplay between a host of both actual and perceived supportive provisions by individuals, groups, and the community. The evolvement of support relationships and support networks is a highly subjective process which is strongly influenced by the standards, norms, and value orientations of the individuals concerned. It is therefore impossible to study social support by merely analyzing and measuring its structures, contents, and functions alone. A good understanding of social support must involve an appreciation of the cultural context within which supportive events and actions take place which includes the "frames of interpretation" with which the individuals use to evaluate social support. Henceforth, an appreciation of the cultural dimension is especially crucial when studying social support in the Chinese context since cultural values and traditions have penetrated into all aspects of the Chinese life style, including their support relationships.
