1. I want to research the impact of social support on mental health, focusing on how different types of social networks such as family, friends, partners influence psychological well-being. I plan to argue that while strong social connections are generally beneficial for mental health, the quality and nature of these relationships can significantly influence their effectiveness. The benefits of healthy relationships and the consequences of negative ones
2. Five key words: mental health, family,friends, influence ,relationships, well-being, consequences , benefits.
3. References:
• International, O. T. (2024). Retracted: An empirical analysis of mental health and social support in the elderly of different age groups: A survey and analysis of data from China. Occupational Therapy International, 2024, 1–1. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/9812675
• 1.Berkman LF, Glass T, Brissette I, Seeman TE. From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science and Medicine. 2000;51:843–857. doi: 10.1016/s0277-9536(00)00065-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• Chu, P. S., Saucier, D. A., and Hafner, E. (2010). Meta-analysis of the relationships between social support and well-being in children and adolescents. J. Soc. Clin. Psychol. 29, 624–645.
• Cobb, S. (1976). Social support as a moderator of life stress. Psychosom. Med. 38, 300–314. doi: 10.1097/00006842-197609000-00003
4. Count argument:
While the argument that social support is good for mental health is well-established, it is important to recognize that not all social relationships have a positive impact on psychological well-being. In fact, the quality and nature of these relationships can sometimes worsen mental health problems rather than alleviate them as we may think. For example, some research shows that the impact of social support is not the same across all types of relationships. A supportive family environment can be protective and supportive, but overly controlling or judgmental family dynamics can increase stress and feelings of inadequacy, which can lead to anxiety or depression. Similarly, while friendships in general provide emotional comfort, certain friendships characterized by toxic behaviors such as excessive criticism, jealousy, or emotional manipulation can be detrimental to mental health. Therefore, while the benefits of healthy relationships are well-documented, the risks of negative or strained social support networks should not be underestimated.
5. How it should be done:
Argue a position in a 3- to 5 (ISH)-page researched essay with a minimum of four sources (one must be a peer reviewed scholarly article). One paragraph must define the counterargument to your thesis. You must ‘direct quote’ from your sources at least twice.
Instructions:
● Write in academic, third person, objective voice.
● Articulate in formal diction without conversational language or slang.
● Format according to MLA conventions, with submission information,
header pagination, in-text citations, and a Works Cited page.
1. Choose the essay’s focus and your argumentative stance:
The topic of the essay must pertain to your major or field of interest or one chosen from among the themes outlined in the “Thematic Guide to the Readings” section of The Norton Field Guide (pp. xlvii through liv). 2. Conduct research. You may consult with a librarian for help with evaluating sources. Synthesize what you have discovered by critically reading and annotating your sources to find connections between/among the source writers’ ideas and your own.