Is there relationship between cognitive resilience and social support
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The Relationship Between Cognitive Resilience and Social Support
Introduction to Cognitive Resilience and Social Support
Cognitive resilience refers to the brain's ability to adapt and maintain cognitive function despite adversity or neurological damage. Social support, on the other hand, encompasses the emotional, informational, and instrumental assistance received from one's social network. This article explores the relationship between cognitive resilience and social support, drawing on recent research findings.
Social Support and Cognitive Resilience
Supportive Listening and Cognitive Function
Research indicates that specific forms of social support, such as supportive listening, are significantly associated with cognitive resilience. A study found that individuals with high availability of supportive listening exhibited better global cognitive function than expected for their cerebral volume, suggesting that supportive listening may enhance cognitive resilience.
Social Capital and Resilience
Social capital, which includes cognitive and structural aspects of social support systems, also plays a crucial role in resilience. In a study of HIV-positive South Africans, cognitive social capital—comprising bonding and bridging trust, norms of reciprocity, and social cohesion—was found to predict resilience. This highlights the importance of social norms and close networks in fostering resilience.
Perceived Social Support and Resilience
The perception of social support is critical in mediating the relationship between received social support and resilience. Emotional and informational support, when perceived positively, significantly mediate this relationship, underscoring the role of cognitive processing in enhancing resilience levels.
Social Support and Mental Health Outcomes
Longitudinal Relationships in Multiple Sclerosis
In individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), social support from significant others, family members, and friends was significantly associated with better mental health outcomes. Resilience was found to mediate this relationship, suggesting that social support enhances mental health by boosting resilience.
PTSD and Social Cognition
For military personnel with PTSD, social support, unit cohesion, and trait resilience were negatively associated with PTSD severity. Negative posttraumatic cognitions mediated this relationship, indicating that social support and resilience can mitigate PTSD severity by reducing negative cognitive appraisals.
Mechanisms Linking Social Support and Resilience
Neurobiological Pathways
Social support may confer resilience to stress through its effects on neurobiological systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system, the noradrenergic system, and central oxytocin pathways. These systems play a role in moderating genetic and environmental vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing resilience.
Emotional Intelligence and Well-Being
In postgraduates, emotional intelligence was found to predict well-being through the mediating effects of social support and psychological resilience. This chain mediation model suggests that social support and resilience are integral to the relationship between emotional intelligence and well-being.
Conclusion
The relationship between cognitive resilience and social support is multifaceted, involving various forms of social support and cognitive processing mechanisms. Supportive listening, social capital, and perceived social support are all crucial in enhancing cognitive resilience. Additionally, social support's impact on mental health outcomes and its neurobiological underpinnings further underscore its importance. Future research and interventions should focus on specific forms of social support to promote cognitive resilience and overall well-being.
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