Abstract: (28 Views)
Introduction: The present study aims to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of empirical research examining the relationship between social support and social health. While a substantial body of literature has independently explored each of these concepts, the cumulative magnitude of the association between them has not been systematically synthesized within the context of Iranian studies. Social health—often conceptualized as the individual’s perceived quality of interaction with society, sense of belonging, social participation, and perceived social cohesion—plays a crucial role in overall well-being and social functioning. Social support, on the other hand, is widely recognized as a key protective factor that enhances individuals’ capacity to cope with stress, fosters resilience, and strengthens their social integration. Given the increasingly interdisciplinary approach toward welfare, public health, and social policy, a meta-analytic examination of the link between these concepts can provide more accurate empirical evidence for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the field of social welfare.A systematic evaluation of prior studies is necessary not only to identify the average true effect of social support on social health but also to understand the extent to which methodological and contextual differences across studies influence this relationship. Such an examination can enrich theoretical perspectives within sociological and welfare-oriented research, highlight gaps in current literature, and ultimately contribute to more informed intervention strategies that emphasize the role of social connections and supportive networks in improving social well-being
Method: The statistical population of the study consisted of all academic and scientific research conducted on the relationship between social support and social health in Iran. A purposive sampling approach was used to select studies that met specific methodological criteria required for meta-analysis, resulting in the inclusion of 19 eligible studies. These studies varied in terms of their designs, sample characteristics, and measurement instruments, yet all provided sufficient statistical data—such as correlation coefficients or effect sizes—that allowed for synthesis.
To ensure accuracy and methodological rigor, data analysis was performed using the second version of the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Given the heterogeneity observed among the included studies, particularly regarding sample populations, research settings, and measurement tools, a random-effects model was adopted. This model assumes that the true effect size varies between studies rather than being fixed, and thus it allows for more generalized conclusions that are not limited to the specific conditions of any single study.
In addition, moderator analysis was conducted to explore whether certain characteristics of the studies could explain variations in effect size. Among several potential moderators examined, the “field of study” or research context emerged as a meaningful factor. This indicates that differences in sample groups—for example, studies focusing on adolescents, adults, or older adults—might influence the strength of the relationship between the two variables.
Findings: The results of the meta-analysis revealed that the aggregated effect size of the relationship between social support and social health was 0.445, which—according to Cohen’s classification—falls within the range of a moderate to high effect. This finding suggests that social support plays a substantive role in shaping or predicting individuals’ levels of social health across diverse study populations. In other words, individuals who perceive higher levels of social support tend to exhibit stronger indicators of social health, such as higher levels of social participation, better interpersonal functioning, a stronger sense of social belonging, and greater perceived acceptance within their communities.
The moderator analysis provided further insights, indicating that the magnitude of the effect varied depending on the population under study. Notably, the relationship between social support and social health was found to be strongest among older adults. This heightened effect may be explained by the unique social position of the elderly, who often experience greater levels of social vulnerability due to factors such as retirement, narrowing social networks, increased health concerns, and reduced opportunities for social engagement. For this demographic group, social support functions not only as a facilitator of social health but also as an essential resource for maintaining quality of life and social integration.
The results across studies consistently show that as the perceived availability and adequacy of social support increase, individuals are more likely to report improved social functioning and higher satisfaction with their social environment. The evidence also suggests that social support enhances feelings of security, reduces isolation, and fosters the social connectedness that forms a core component of social health
Discussion: The findings underscore the significant and consistent impact of social support on social health, reinforcing theoretical frameworks that highlight the central role of social relations in shaping human well-being. The moderately high effect size observed across studies demonstrates that social support is not merely an auxiliary factor but a fundamental determinant of social health that operates across different age groups and social contexts.
The particularly strong effect among older adults points to the need for targeted welfare and social policy interventions that prioritize this population. As individuals age, they face increased risk of social marginalization, loneliness, and reduced participation in public and community life. Strengthening social support networks—through community programs, intergenerational initiatives, familial support structures, and institutional welfare services—can significantly enhance their social health, thereby improving overall well-being and reducing pressures on healthcare and social welfare systems.
Additionally, the study highlights the importance of integrating social support frameworks into broader welfare policies. Policymakers and practitioners should consider designing programs that not only address material needs but also reinforce social connections, promote social engagement, and enhance community-based support systems.
From a research perspective, the findings reveal a clear need for further studies that examine the qualitative dimensions of social support, cultural influences on social health, and the role of emerging social structures—such as digital communities and online interactions—in producing or undermining social well-being. Future research can also benefit from exploring longitudinal patterns to understand how changes in social support influence social health over time.
Overall, the meta-analysis strengthens the empirical foundation for the widely acknowledged claim that social support is a key component of social health. It contributes to the literature by offering a consolidated and statistically grounded estimate of the effect size, emphasizing the importance of supportive social environments, and providing evidence-informed insights that are valuable for both sociological scholarship and welfare-oriented policymaking
Method: The statistical population of the study consisted of all academic and scientific research conducted on the relationship between social support and social health in Iran. A purposive sampling approach was used to select studies that met specific methodological criteria required for meta-analysis, resulting in the inclusion of 19 eligible studies. These studies varied in terms of their designs, sample characteristics, and measurement instruments, yet all provided sufficient statistical data—such as correlation coefficients or effect sizes—that allowed for synthesis.
To ensure accuracy and methodological rigor, data analysis was performed using the second version of the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Given the heterogeneity observed among the included studies, particularly regarding sample populations, research settings, and measurement tools, a random-effects model was adopted. This model assumes that the true effect size varies between studies rather than being fixed, and thus it allows for more generalized conclusions that are not limited to the specific conditions of any single study.
In addition, moderator analysis was conducted to explore whether certain characteristics of the studies could explain variations in effect size. Among several potential moderators examined, the “field of study” or research context emerged as a meaningful factor. This indicates that differences in sample groups—for example, studies focusing on adolescents, adults, or older adults—might influence the strength of the relationship between the two variables.
Findings: The results of the meta-analysis revealed that the aggregated effect size of the relationship between social support and social health was 0.445, which—according to Cohen’s classification—falls within the range of a moderate to high effect. This finding suggests that social support plays a substantive role in shaping or predicting individuals’ levels of social health across diverse study populations. In other words, individuals who perceive higher levels of social support tend to exhibit stronger indicators of social health, such as higher levels of social participation, better interpersonal functioning, a stronger sense of social belonging, and greater perceived acceptance within their communities.
The moderator analysis provided further insights, indicating that the magnitude of the effect varied depending on the population under study. Notably, the relationship between social support and social health was found to be strongest among older adults. This heightened effect may be explained by the unique social position of the elderly, who often experience greater levels of social vulnerability due to factors such as retirement, narrowing social networks, increased health concerns, and reduced opportunities for social engagement. For this demographic group, social support functions not only as a facilitator of social health but also as an essential resource for maintaining quality of life and social integration.
The results across studies consistently show that as the perceived availability and adequacy of social support increase, individuals are more likely to report improved social functioning and higher satisfaction with their social environment. The evidence also suggests that social support enhances feelings of security, reduces isolation, and fosters the social connectedness that forms a core component of social health
Discussion: The findings underscore the significant and consistent impact of social support on social health, reinforcing theoretical frameworks that highlight the central role of social relations in shaping human well-being. The moderately high effect size observed across studies demonstrates that social support is not merely an auxiliary factor but a fundamental determinant of social health that operates across different age groups and social contexts.
The particularly strong effect among older adults points to the need for targeted welfare and social policy interventions that prioritize this population. As individuals age, they face increased risk of social marginalization, loneliness, and reduced participation in public and community life. Strengthening social support networks—through community programs, intergenerational initiatives, familial support structures, and institutional welfare services—can significantly enhance their social health, thereby improving overall well-being and reducing pressures on healthcare and social welfare systems.
Additionally, the study highlights the importance of integrating social support frameworks into broader welfare policies. Policymakers and practitioners should consider designing programs that not only address material needs but also reinforce social connections, promote social engagement, and enhance community-based support systems.
From a research perspective, the findings reveal a clear need for further studies that examine the qualitative dimensions of social support, cultural influences on social health, and the role of emerging social structures—such as digital communities and online interactions—in producing or undermining social well-being. Future research can also benefit from exploring longitudinal patterns to understand how changes in social support influence social health over time.
Overall, the meta-analysis strengthens the empirical foundation for the widely acknowledged claim that social support is a key component of social health. It contributes to the literature by offering a consolidated and statistically grounded estimate of the effect size, emphasizing the importance of supportive social environments, and providing evidence-informed insights that are valuable for both sociological scholarship and welfare-oriented policymaking
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2025/11/27 | Accepted: 2026/06/30
Received: 2025/11/27 | Accepted: 2026/06/30
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Social Welfare Quarterly
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