Why connection is as vital as treatment
Mental health professionals consistently emphasise the value of a strong social support network. Social support is among the strongest predictors of emotional well-being and overall quality of life. It refers to the extent to which our social and emotional needs are met through the people and communities around us, such as family, friends, colleagues, and groups that share our values and experiences.
Group interventions, for example, have been shown to reduce psychological stress by providing individuals with chronic illnesses the opportunity to connect and share experiences (Jackson et al., 2019). Studies have found that cancer patients who felt more supported by family, friends, or their community experienced less distress, coped more effectively, and had a greater sense of control during treatment. Tangible support, in particular, was more significant for older patients, who may face greater physical challenges due to age or disability (Ahmad et al., 2013).
Furthermore, social support fosters optimism and resilience, which are key factors that help patients adapt to illness. By strengthening hope and inner confidence, social connections help protect against anxiety and depression, acting as a buffer against the emotional impact of stress (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022).
But what comes first — support or coping? The systematic review by Bottaro and colleagues (2023) suggests the relationship is bidirectional: people who receive strong support cope better, and those who cope better are more likely to seek and maintain strong relationships. It’s a cycle of connection that reinforces recovery.
The source of support also plays a crucial role. Patients often view family, friends, and partners as the most important sources of support for coping with diagnosis and treatment. However, when the type of support offered doesn’t align with the patient’s needs, it can feel less meaningful or even unhelpful.
While loved ones form the core of emotional care, healthcare professionals are often the first and most consistent source of reassurance. According to the literature, patients who feel heard, respected, and well-informed by their medical team cope more effectively and experience less anxiety. Ruiz-Rodríguez and colleagues highlight that optimism and resilience grow when medical staff communicate openly and offer encouragement. Compassionate communication from healthcare providers strengthens patients’ ability to manage their illness, creating a positive feedback loop between support and wellbeing (Bottaro et al., 2023).
At Kapa3, we witness this truth daily. Through our community programs, research, and advocacy, we work to create environments where no one faces cancer alone. Social support is not only emotional, it’s practical, cultural, and profoundly human. Healing doesn’t happen only in hospitals; it happens in homes, workplaces, and communities.
References
Ahmad, M., Khan, M. A., & Shirazi, M. (2013). Perception of Social Support by Cancer Patients. International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 3(5), 115–122. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijpbs.20130305.01
Bottaro, R., Craparo, G., & Faraci, P. (2023). What is the direction of the association between social support and coping in cancer patients? A systematic review. Journal of Health Psychology, 28(6), 135910532211311. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053221131180
Jackson, M., Jones, D., Dyson, J., & Macleod, U. (2019). Facilitated group work for people with long-term conditions: A systematic review of benefits from studies of group-work interventions. British Journal of General Practice, 69(682), 363–372. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19x702233
Ruiz-Rodríguez, I., Hombrados-Mendieta, I., Melguizo-Garín, A., & Martos-Méndez, M. J. (2022). The importance of social support, optimism and resilience on the quality of life of cancer patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176
Article by: Despina Chrysostomidou, Psychologist for Kapa3 Research Insights
