SOCIAL SUPPORT,

MODIFICATION &
CHANGING HEALTH
HABITS
Presentation by Group 4
GROUP 4 - TEAM
MEMBERS.
ANGELIN (23MSAHR149) - INTRODUCTION

BHUMIKA (23MSAHR154) - PPT + SOCIAL

SUPPORT

SRIHARI (23MSAHR238) - MODIFICATION

BHAVANA (23MSAHR141) - CHANGING

HEALTH HABITS

ANANYA (23MSAHR149) - CONCLUSION

DEFINING SOCIAL
SUPPORT
Initially, it was defined according to the
number of friends that were available to the
individual.
However, this has been developed to include not
only the number of friends supplying social
support, but the satisfaction with this support
(Sarason et al. 1983).
Social support refers to comfort, caring, esteem, or
help available to a person from other people or
groups (Uchino, 2004)
TYPES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
Wills (1985) has defined several types of social support:
• Esteem support: whereby other people increase one’s own self-esteem.
• Support: whereby other people are available to offer advice.
• Companionship: which involves support through activities.
• Instrumental support: which involves physical help.

Lett et al. (2005) also put forward a definition of social support that differentiates between two types:
• Structural support (or network support): which refers to the type, size, density and frequency
of contact with the network of people available to any individual.
• Functional support: which refers to the perceived benefit provided by this structure. This has
also be classified into available functional support (i.e. potential access to support) and enacted
functional support (i.e. actual support received) (Tardy 1985).
MEASURING SOCIAL SUPPORT.
The most commonly used measure is the Social
Support Questionnaire (SSQ; Sarason et al. 1987)
which comes as a long and short version and asks
people to list the number of those people they
could turn to when in need (i.e. network support) and
to rate how helpful they would find this support
(i.e. functional support).
 FAMILY CONNECTEDNESS SCALE
The Family Connectedness Scale (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006) is a seven item measure to evaluate protective
factors among adolescents. The measure has good internal consistency with a Cronbach alpha =.87.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALE OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT (MSPSS)

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988) is a 12-item measure of perceived
adequacy of social support from three sources: family, friends, & significant other; using a 5-point Likert scale (0
= strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree).
DOES SOCIAL
SUPPORT AFFECT
HEALTH?
 Lynch (1977) reported that widowed, divorced or single individuals have higher mortality rates from heart disease
than married people and suggested that heart disease and mortality are related to lower levels of social support.
However, problems with this study include the absence of a direct measure of social support and the implicit
assumption that marriage is aneffective source of social support.

Berkman and Syme (1979) reported the results of a prospective study whereby they measured social support in
4,700 men and women aged 30–69, whom they followed up for nine years. Theyfound that increased social
support predicted a decrease in mortality rate. This indicates a role for social support in health.

Research has also indicated that birth complications are lower in womenwho have high levels of social support,
again suggesting a link between social support and health status (Oakley 1992).

Research has also examined the effects of social support on immune functioning and consequently health
HOW DOES SOCIAL SUPPORT
INFLUENCE HEALTH?
If social support does influence or mediate the stress–illness link, then what are the possible
mechanisms? Two theories have been developed to explain the role of social support in
health status:
1. The main effect hypothesis suggests that social support itself is beneficial and that the
absence of social support is itself stressful. This suggests that social support mediates
the stress–illness link, with its very presence reducing the effect of the stressor and its
absence acting as a stressor.
2. The stress buffering hypothesis suggests that social support helps individuals to cope
with stress, therefore mediating the stress–illness link by buffering the individual from the
stressor;social support influences the individual’s appraisal of the potential stressor.. This
process,which has been described using social comparison theory, suggests that the
existence of other people enables individuals exposed to a stressor to select an
appropriate coping strategy by comparing themselves with others
The Physiological Effects of Social Support.
The main theory used to explore this mechanism is the social support reactivity hypothesis
(Lepore, 1998) which argues that social support reduces physiological responses to stress,
particularly cardiovascular reactivity.
Separate studies indicate that enacted support (i.e. getting actual support, e.g. Lepore et al.
1993) and the availability of functional support (i.e. potential access to support,
Uchino and Garvey 1997) are associated with reduced reactivity to stressors in the laboratory
setting. In a detailed analysis of the relative impact of different types of social support
 IS SOCIAL SUPPORT ALWAYS A GOOD THING?
• A high number of social ties could increase the chances of vicarious distress if someone in
one’s social group is upset (Rook et al. 1991).
• People with large social networks may prefer social forms of coping and therefore respond
less well to stressors in isolated laboratory settings (Hughes 2007).
• Large social networks provide the opportunity for upward social comparisons which may be
detrimental to health (Hughes 2007).
• The impact of social support may be mediated through other variables (O’Donovan and
Hughes 2008).
• Different types of social support may have either positive or negative effects. For example,
de Ridder et al. (2005) identified ‘overprotection’ as a potentially harmful form of support.
Research therefore indicates that stress can cause illness. Research also indicates that social
support may mediate this relationship
MODIFICATION
Modification is the term which means a
change to something for getting improves
themselves.
In health psychology, there it is used for behavioural
modification to cope with several stressful situations of
an individual or a group.
Behavior modification plays a crucial role in promoting
positive health outcomes and improving overall well-
being.
 It involves with adopting healthier habits, managing chronic conditions, or adhering to treatment plans, changing behavior is often
challenging. In health care, it plays a vital role by understanding of psychological processes and evidences-based strategies can helps to
enhance the supports for attain health goals.
Behavioral change is a process impacted by cognitive, emotional, social, physical environments and also other multiple factors.
An individual’s motivation, belief, attitudes which are helps to deeper understanding with further problems to behaviour change.
Behavioral change is about altering habits and behaviors for the long term. The majority of research around health-related behaviors
indicates that small changes can lead to enormous improvements in people’s health and life expectancy (Davis, Campbell, Hildon,
Hobbs, & Michie, 2015)
Examples:
1. Non-smoking or reducing smoking habits
2. Eating healthy foods
3. Regular exercising
4. Recycling
5. Practicing mindfulness
6. Reducing procrastination
7. Regular Self-care
8. Assertiveness
9. Good sleep
 TRANSTHEORITICAL MODEL
The transtheoretical model was developed by Prochaska and DiClemente in the late ’70s and suggests six stages of behavior
change (Prochaska, 1979; Prochaska & DiClemente, 1982).

The six stages of change are:

1. Precontemplation - The individual is not intending to change their behavior. They may be uninformed about the
consequences of their behavior or lack confidence in their ability to change, sometimes because of previous failed
attempts.
2. Contemplation- The individual is intending to change their behavior within the next six months. They can see the benefits
of making a change but are also very aware of the disadvantages and challenges, which can keep them stuck in this stage.
3. Preparation - The individual is planning to change their behavior within the next month. They have usually taken some
steps already, such as joining a support group, buying a self-help book, finding a coach etc., and have some form of plan in
place.
4. Action - The individual has made significant changes to their behavior within the last six months, which has led to a
different outcome in their health and/or wellbeing.
5. Maintenance - individual continues to change their behavior enough to prevent relapse but is not putting as much time
and effort into this as in the action stage. (Relapse can occur at any stage up to and including this one, going back to any of
the earlier stages in the model. People most frequently return to contemplation or preparation for another attempt at
changing their behavior) (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997).
6. Termination- The individual is no longer tempted to use their old behavior as a coping method and feels confident in their
ability to keep this change. Many people will struggle to reach this end state.
GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL.
Some of behavioural modification techniques:

Applied behavior analysis - ABA is a widely used technique in behavior modification, especially for
treating autism spectrum disorders. It involves breaking down complex behaviors into smaller,
teachable components and using positive or negative reinforcement to encourage positive
behavior changes.
Flooding- Flooding is a form of exposure therapy where an individual is exposed to fear-inducing
stimuli in a controlled environment to reduce fear or anxiety responses.
Positive reinforcement - This technique involves rewarding a behavior to increase its occurrence.
Rewards for good behavior can be tangible, like treats or toys, or intangible, like praise or extra
privileges.
Positive punishment- This involves adding an unpleasant consequence after an undesirable
behavior occurs to decrease its occurrence. It could include additional chores or the loss of
privileges.
Negative reinforcement - This technique removes an unpleasant stimulus to increase the
likelihood of a desired behavior. For example, eliminating extra homework when a child improves
their classroom reinforces good behavior.
 Negative punishment- This involves removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease the occurrence of
an undesirable behavior. An example of disruptive behavior is taking away a favorite toy when a
child misbehaves.
Chaining- This technique involves linking a series of behaviors to form a complex behavior. Each
step in the chain is learned and then connected to create the desired behavior.
Shaping- Shaping involves gradually modifying an existing behavior into the desired behavior by
reinforcing successive approximations of the target behavior.
Extinction- This technique involves withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced lousy
behavior to reduce or eliminate that behavior.
These techniques are used by health psychologists or professionals which help to enhance the
behaviour changes for desirable outcomes in health lifestyle and it has greater importance to the
coping mechanisms for difficulties in stressful conditions.
CHANGING HEALTH
HABITS.
One effective approach to managing stress is
through the cultivation of healthy habits. By
making intentional choices to prioritize our
health and well-being, we can build resilience
and better cope with life's challenges.
Changing health habits can be an effective strategy for managing stress. Here are some healthy habits you can
incorporate into your daily routine to help reduce stress:

Regular Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural stress fighters. Aim for at least 30
minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, jogging, yoga, or swimming can be
great options.

Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support
your overall well-being and resilience to stress. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, as they can
contribute to anxiety and stress.

Adequate Sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can exacerbate stress levels,
while sufficient rest can help improve mood and cognitive function.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or
progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind and body. These techniques can help you stay centered and
better cope with stressful situations.
Time Management: Organize your schedule to prioritize important tasks and allocate time for relaxation and
self-care. Break tasks into manageable chunks, and don't hesitate to delegate when necessary.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens, especially before bedtime. Excessive screen time can
interfere with sleep quality and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Social Support: Cultivate strong relationships with friends and family members who can provide emotional
support and companionship. Connecting with others can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress.
Set Realistic Goals: Break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate your progress along the way,
and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go as planned.
Hobbies and Leisure Activities: Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, painting, gardening, or
playing music. Taking time for hobbies and leisure pursuits can provide a much-needed break from stressors.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you're struggling to manage stress on your own, don't hesitate to reach
out to a mental health professional. Therapy, counselling, or support groups can offer valuable guidance and
support.
REFERENCES
Daily healthy habits to reduce stress and increase longevity Dyer, K. A. (2023). Daily healthy habits to
reduce stress and increase longevity. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 30, 100593.
Stress and health habits in college students. Fogle, G. E., & Pettijohn, T. F. (2013). Stress and health
habits in college students.
Brusylovska O. The role of health psychology in enhancing behavior modification. J Clin Psychiatry
Cog Psychol. 2023;7(2):145 The role of health psychology in enhancing behavior modification.
(alliedacademies.org)
Celestine, N., PhD. (2024, February 20). What is behavior change in psychology? 5 Models and
Theories. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/behavior-change/
Telita Montales (2024, February 14).Behavior modification techniques.
https://www.carepatron.com/guides/behavior-modification-techniques
Ogden, J. (2007) Health Psychology: A Textbook. 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 281-282.
1. Which questionnaire is most commonly used to measure social support ?

A] social support measurement scale

B] social support questionnaire
C]Psychometric properties of the Social Support Scale
2. Stress buffering hypothesis is described by using

A] Social comparison theory

B] Similarity comparison theory
C] Upward comparison theory
3. Arrange the Six stages in Transtheoretical model

i) Action
ii) Contemplation
iii)Termination
iv) Precontemplation
v) Maintenance
vi) Preparation

A](iv) (ii) (vi)(i) (v) (iii)

B](i) (iv) (vi)(ii) (v) (iii)
C] (iv) (i)(v) (ii) (vi) (iii)
4. Which of the following is not a behavioral modification technique

A] flooding
B] Negative Reinforcement
C] Alteration
5. How do you manage stress? What is your method to manage stress and
after understanding modification and changing health habits?
THANK YOU!
ANY QUESTIONS?