Indicators of Familial Social Support by Rurality and Gender Identity

Date
03/2023
Description

Ample research has linked social and emotional support, or the process by which someone feels, receives, or provides aid to another, to a range of mental and physical health outcomes. Feeling seen and cared for is linked to enhanced mental health, a clearer sense of meaning or purpose in life, and reduced burden of stress. Moreover, stronger social relationships can substantially reduce premature mortality. Access to social support varies from person to person, depending on a range of demographic characteristics and life circumstances. Understanding how familial social support differs for those with overlapping marginalized identities is especially important for advancing population health and health equity. This brief examines the differences in familial social support by rurality and gender identity.

Center
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
Authors
Robert Libal, Carrie Henning-Smith, Mariana Tuttle, Gilbert Gonzales