Social Support and Mental Health in a Black Community

摘要

Social and cultural support systems within a Southern Black community were examined, the major social stresses within the community were identified, and the effects of the stresses on mental health problems were determined. The research indicates that cultural factors must be taken into account in the study of the stress process. Chronic social stressors were perceived as the most important problem in the community. The extended family was seen as an essential resource in coping with these stressors.