Social support and its relationship to psychological, physical health, and immune variables in HIV-infection

The purpose of this review is to examine how social support is related to measures of psychological adjustment, physical health, and immune function among HIV-infected gay men. Within this population, recent literature has demonstrated clear links (both positive and negative) between measures of social support and psychological functioning. In contrast, studies looking at the relationship between social support and both measures of physical health and immune function have yielded inconsistent and inconclusive findings. This article synthesizes and reviews what is currently known about the effects of social support on the psychological, physical health, and immune functioning in HIV-infected gay men. Both beneficial and detrimental effects of social support on health are examined, highlighting those aspects of social support that may be enhanced or discouraged in the context of psychotherapeutic interventions.