Abstract

NUNES, Cristina; LEMOS, Ida; NUNES, Lara Ayala  and  COSTA, Diana. Stressful life events and social support in families at psychosocial risk. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2013, vol.14, n.2, pp.313-320. ISSN 1645-0086.

Perceived social support has been one of the most widely studied variables due to its direct and indirect effects to reduce the negative impact of some risk factors on physical and psychological well-being. However, in Portugal there are few studies that focus on the social support of families with at psychosocial risk minors. In this study we examined the relationships between perceived social support and the number and emotional impact of stressful life events. The participants were 133 mothers, aged between 16 and 58 years-old, with children monitored by the Commissions for Child and Adolescent Protection of Algarve. The Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule, the Social Support Scale for Stressful Life Situations, the Stressful and Risk Situations Inventory, and a socio-demographic questionnaire were applied, through an individual interview. Participants experienced a significant number of stressful life events with high emotional impact, either in the past or over the last three years. Death of a family member, financial and labor problems, marital conflicts, and psychological problems were the most frequent stressful life events. Mothers reported greater emotional than tangible or informative needs. In turn, we observed a low presence of support from professionals, and the main source of support was family members and friends. We discuss the implications for social policies along this vulnerable group.

Keywords : Mothers; psychosocial at-risk child; social support; stressful life events.

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