ABSTRACT
According to recent reviews of empirical evidence compiled within the last two decades, social relationships appear to have inconsistent effects on physical health—if any effects at all (Cohen, 1988; Ferraro, 1989; Ganster & Victor, 1988; Israel & Rounds, 1987; Leppin & Schwarzer, 1990; House, Umberson, & Landis, 1988; Rodin & Salovey, 1989; Schwarzer & Leppin, 1989a, 1989b, 1991). Many researchers have strongly emphasized the necessity to assess various types of support (Barrera, 1981; Baumann, 1987; Cohen & Hoberman, 1983; Cohen & McKay, 1984; Cutrona & Russell, 1988; Dunkel-Schetter, Feinstein, & Call, 1987; Heitzmann & Kaplan, 1988; House & Kahn, 1985; Vaux, 1988; Veiel, 1987; Wills, 1985).
