Relevance of Social Variables in Influence on Health
Social-psychological factors play an essential role in the physical well-being of a person. While social factors include general aspects at the human society level, the psychological ones are individual-level processes and meanings that influence mental states. Social support is one of the social psychological variables that has had a significant impact on my health.
This variable involves the relational support an individual gets from others (Feenstra, 2020). Friends, family members, schoolmates, and workmates, among others, can give social support (Slavich, 2016). Having people who can hear my problems and help me cope with them is crucial for reducing stress and associated adverse effects.
Stress can harm health, leading to cardiovascular, digestive, and immune problems. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic affected my well-being due to chronic stress caused by the loss of family members. My friends and other family members gave me social support, which helped me view the problem positively.
Commitment and an urge to help someone in trouble are elements of love that can be important when stressed (Sumter et al., 2013). While stress can be challenging to a person’s health, having supportive people is vital (Segerstrom & O’Connor, 2012). Therefore, seeking emotional and physical support from others helps one feel more secure and less overwhelmed.
Situational Factors That Play a Role in Health
Apart from the social psychological variables, situational factors are significant in the quality of health. The physical environment in which a person lives and work can affect their wellness. For instance, areas where healthcare facilities are inaccessible can encumber well-being.
Sociocultural Variables That May Influence Health
Social and cultural variables influence health-related behaviors and personal perceptions of wellness. Socioeconomic status is a social variable that determines the ability of a patient to afford quality healthcare (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014). Poor individuals cannot secure expensive insurance policies. On the other hand, cultural norms, including dietary preferences, can cause one to avoid healthy diets.
Relevant Theory and Research Supporting the Analysis
The social cognitive theory can help understand the crucial role of social support in a person’s health. The theory holds that knowledge acquisition is directly related to observing others within social interactions and experiences (Blobel et al., 2022). For instance, interacting with individuals who have had traumatic experiences and overcame them can help one identify the most appropriate approach to their own (Slavich, 2016). Therefore, interacting with socially supportive people and adopting positive cultural norms promotes quality health.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Achieving a state of optimal health: Stress and the health realization model. Web.
Blobel, B., Oemig, F., Ruotsalainen, P., & Lopez, D. M. (2022). Transformation of health and social care systems—An interdisciplinary approach toward a foundational architecture. Frontiers in Medicine, 9. Web.
Feenstra, J. (2020). Social psychology, stress, and health. In Social Psychology.
Segerstrom, S. C., & O’Connor, D. B. (2012). Stress, health and illness: Four challenges for the future. Psychology & Health, 27(2), 128–140. Web.
Slavich, G. M. (2016). Life stress and health: A review of conceptual issues and recent findings. Teaching of Psychology, 43(4), 346–355. Web.
Sumter, S. R., Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2013). Perceptions of love across the lifespan. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 37(5), 417–427. Web.