Citation

Maercker A, Heim E, Hecker T, Thoma MV. Nervenarzt, Der 2016; 88(1): 18-25.

Vernacular Title

Soziale Unterstützung nach Traumatisierung.

Affiliation

Psychopathologie und Klinische Intervention & UFSP Dynamik gesunden Alterns, Universität Zürich, Binzmühlestr. 14/17, 8050, Zürich, Schweiz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00115-016-0242-6

PMID

27853853

Abstract

The classical concept of social support has recently become of relevance again, particularly in the context of traumatized patient groups, which include refugees and migrants. This article summarizes the evidence from social support research, e. g. different types of positive effects as well as context, gender and cultural aspects. These aspects are highlighted by means of studies stemming from applied healthcare research and thus describe a wide range of health effects, e.g. increased well-being and reduced depressive symptoms, improved functional abilities, better immune status and longevity. Two new trauma-specific differentiations of the social support concept are introduced: societal acknowledgement as a trauma survivor and disclosure of traumatic experiences. Against this background several implications for working with refugees arise: promotion of self-efficacy and posttraumatic maturation as well as the treatment of mental disorders show considerable benefits from focusing on social support. Finally, possibilities emerging from digital communication media are discussed, which are particularly relevant in this context.

Language: de