Informal support
What makes informal social support powerful is its voluntary nature. Individuals in this powerful network care and are not in any obligation in the relationship.

In one study, researchers contacted 100 men who had lost their jobs when a factory closed to determine the extent to which these men received emotional support from their wives, friends, and relatives. Men who felt unsupported had higher levels of serum cholesterol and illness symptoms than those who felt supported. Lack of support was also associated with depression regardless of employment status.

In another study, women who experienced severe life stress and did not have a confidant were approximately ten times more likely to be depressed than women who experienced stress but had a confidant. Researchers found that close, intimate relationships were a more important form of support for women than a large number of superficial friendships. Psychological impairment in a crisis has also been associated with low expectations of help from friends, relatives, and neighbors.