MOTHERS RECEIPT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING FOLLOWING MARITAL SEPARATION

A sample of 144 separated women with children was used to examine the direct and buffering effects of social support on the relationship between stressful life change and their psychological well-being approximately 6 months following marital separation. The results indicated that the relationship between life change and psychological well-being was buffered by various aspects of social support. These aspects were the number of sources from which support was received, support from family and friends, and support that functioned to enhance self-esteem and provide social companionship. In addition, there was a direct, positive relationship between receipt of technical support and psychoemotional well-being.