Conceptual considerations for social support research in sport and exercise settings: The case of sport injury

There is an extensive body of research indicating that social support can c ontribute to health and well-being by reducing exposure to stress and enhan cing coping efforts. The mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poo rly understood, however, and confusion abounds as to the nature of social s upport. This paper examines some of the major conceptual issues relevant to the study of social support in the context of sport injury. Specific issue s addressed include differences between (a) support activities and support messages, (b) perceived support and received support, and (c) support netwo rks, support behaviors, and appraisals of support. The discussion includes an examination of the general and sport-specific social support research. G aps in the research are identified and suggestions are made throughout the paper for investigating social support issues in sport.