Volume 26, Issue 2 (8-2026)
Social Welfare Quarterly 2026, 26(2): 199-227 |
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sakhaei A. (2026). Social Support as Welfare Capital and Its Impact on Social Health: A Sociological Reading through a Meta-Analytic Approach. Social Welfare Quarterly. 26(2), 199-227. doi:10.32598/refahj.26.2.1847.1
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4550-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4550-en.html
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Introduction
Although extensive research has examined social support and social health, existing studies remain fragmented and often limited in scope. Social health—defined as individuals perceived quality of interaction with society, sense of belonging, and level of social participation—is widely recognized as an important component of overall well-being. Social support, in turn, functions as a protective factor that enhances resilience and facilitates social integration. However, prior studies have primarily focused on isolated populations or descriptive associations, and findings regarding the magnitude of the relationship between social support and social health have been inconsistent.
Moreover, no comprehensive meta-analytic synthesis has been conducted to integrate empirical evidence and evaluate sources of heterogeneity, particularly within the Iranian context. This gap limits the ability to draw generalized conclusions and to inform evidence-based social and welfare policies. Therefore, the present study aims to systematically synthesize available research and provide a robust estimate of the relationship between social support and social health, while also examining methodological and contextual factors that may explain variations in effect sizes.
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 greater social participation, improved interpersonal functioning, a stronger sense of social belonging, and enhanced acceptance within their communities. Moderator analyses further demonstrated that the magnitude of this relationship varied across populations, with the strongest effect observed among older adults.
This heightened association may reflect the greater social vulnerability of the elderly due to factors such as retirement, shrinking social networks, and reduced opportunities for engagement, making social support an especially important resource for maintaining social integration and quality of life in this group. Across studies, the evidence consistently indicates that higher levels of perceived social support are associated with better social functioning and greater satisfaction with one’s social environment, as social support enhances feelings of security, reduces social isolation, and strengthens the interpersonal connectedness that underpins social health. The meta-regression results additionally revealed that the effect of social support on social health has decreased over time, suggesting a temporal decline in the strength of this relationship across studies and highlighting the potential influence of changing social contexts on the dynamics of social support
Discussion
The results of this meta-analysis reaffirm the significant role of social support in shaping social health and support theoretical perspectives that emphasize the centrality of social relationships in human well-being. The moderately high effect size observed across studies indicates that social support functions as a fundamental determinant of social health rather than a secondary or auxiliary factor, influencing well-being across diverse age groups and social contexts. The particularly strong association observed among older adults highlights the importance of targeted social and welfare interventions for this population. As individuals age, they are more likely to experience social marginalization, reduced participation in community life, and increased loneliness. Strengthening social support systems—through community-based initiatives, intergenerational programs, family-centered support strategies, and institutional welfare services—can play a critical role in enhancing the social health of older adults and improving their overall quality of life. Such interventions may also contribute to reducing the broader societal and economic burdens associated with social isolation and declining well-being in aging populations.
At the same time, the meta-regression results indicate that the effect of social support on social health has decreased over time. This temporal decline suggests that changing social structures, evolving patterns of social interaction, and broader societal transformations may be influencing the strength of the relationship between social support and social health. For instance, shifts toward more individualized social arrangements, increased reliance on digital communication, and changes in community engagement patterns may alter the ways in which social support operates and its capacity to promote social well-being. These findings underscore the need for adaptive social policies and interventions that reflect contemporary social realities and address emerging challenges in social connectivity. From a policy perspective, the results emphasize the importance of integrating social support frameworks into broader welfare strategies. Policymakers should prioritize programs that not only address material needs but also strengthen social relationships, encourage community engagement, and enhance access to supportive social networks. By fostering environments that promote social connectedness, welfare systems can contribute to improved social health and more sustainable models of well-being. The study also highlights important directions for future research. Further investigations are needed to examine the qualitative dimensions of social support, cultural variations in the experience of social health, and the impact of emerging social structures—such as digital communities and online interactions—on social well-being. Longitudinal studies would be particularly valuable in exploring how changes in social support influence social health over time and in identifying mechanisms that explain the observed temporal decline in effect size. Overall, the meta-analysis reinforces the empirical evidence that social support remains a key determinant of social health, while also demonstrating that its influence may evolve in response to changing social conditions.
These findings contribute to the literature by providing a consolidated and statistically grounded understanding of the relationship between social support and social health and by offering insights that are relevant for sociological research, social policy, and welfare-oriented interventions.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with Ethical Guidelines
This study is a meta-analysis based exclusively on data extracted from previously published studies and did not involve human participants, animals, or identifiable personal data. Therefore, ethical approval and informed consent were not required. Throughout the research process, the principles of scientific integrity, transparency, accurate reporting, and proper citation of all original sources were strictly observed.
Author’ Contributions
The author was responsible for the study conception and design, literature search, data extraction, data analysis, interpretation of the findings, manuscript preparation, and approval of the final version.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Introduction
Although extensive research has examined social support and social health, existing studies remain fragmented and often limited in scope. Social health—defined as individuals perceived quality of interaction with society, sense of belonging, and level of social participation—is widely recognized as an important component of overall well-being. Social support, in turn, functions as a protective factor that enhances resilience and facilitates social integration. However, prior studies have primarily focused on isolated populations or descriptive associations, and findings regarding the magnitude of the relationship between social support and social health have been inconsistent.
Moreover, no comprehensive meta-analytic synthesis has been conducted to integrate empirical evidence and evaluate sources of heterogeneity, particularly within the Iranian context. This gap limits the ability to draw generalized conclusions and to inform evidence-based social and welfare policies. Therefore, the present study aims to systematically synthesize available research and provide a robust estimate of the relationship between social support and social health, while also examining methodological and contextual factors that may explain variations in effect sizes.
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 greater social participation, improved interpersonal functioning, a stronger sense of social belonging, and enhanced acceptance within their communities. Moderator analyses further demonstrated that the magnitude of this relationship varied across populations, with the strongest effect observed among older adults.
This heightened association may reflect the greater social vulnerability of the elderly due to factors such as retirement, shrinking social networks, and reduced opportunities for engagement, making social support an especially important resource for maintaining social integration and quality of life in this group. Across studies, the evidence consistently indicates that higher levels of perceived social support are associated with better social functioning and greater satisfaction with one’s social environment, as social support enhances feelings of security, reduces social isolation, and strengthens the interpersonal connectedness that underpins social health. The meta-regression results additionally revealed that the effect of social support on social health has decreased over time, suggesting a temporal decline in the strength of this relationship across studies and highlighting the potential influence of changing social contexts on the dynamics of social support
Discussion
The results of this meta-analysis reaffirm the significant role of social support in shaping social health and support theoretical perspectives that emphasize the centrality of social relationships in human well-being. The moderately high effect size observed across studies indicates that social support functions as a fundamental determinant of social health rather than a secondary or auxiliary factor, influencing well-being across diverse age groups and social contexts. The particularly strong association observed among older adults highlights the importance of targeted social and welfare interventions for this population. As individuals age, they are more likely to experience social marginalization, reduced participation in community life, and increased loneliness. Strengthening social support systems—through community-based initiatives, intergenerational programs, family-centered support strategies, and institutional welfare services—can play a critical role in enhancing the social health of older adults and improving their overall quality of life. Such interventions may also contribute to reducing the broader societal and economic burdens associated with social isolation and declining well-being in aging populations.
At the same time, the meta-regression results indicate that the effect of social support on social health has decreased over time. This temporal decline suggests that changing social structures, evolving patterns of social interaction, and broader societal transformations may be influencing the strength of the relationship between social support and social health. For instance, shifts toward more individualized social arrangements, increased reliance on digital communication, and changes in community engagement patterns may alter the ways in which social support operates and its capacity to promote social well-being. These findings underscore the need for adaptive social policies and interventions that reflect contemporary social realities and address emerging challenges in social connectivity. From a policy perspective, the results emphasize the importance of integrating social support frameworks into broader welfare strategies. Policymakers should prioritize programs that not only address material needs but also strengthen social relationships, encourage community engagement, and enhance access to supportive social networks. By fostering environments that promote social connectedness, welfare systems can contribute to improved social health and more sustainable models of well-being. The study also highlights important directions for future research. Further investigations are needed to examine the qualitative dimensions of social support, cultural variations in the experience of social health, and the impact of emerging social structures—such as digital communities and online interactions—on social well-being. Longitudinal studies would be particularly valuable in exploring how changes in social support influence social health over time and in identifying mechanisms that explain the observed temporal decline in effect size. Overall, the meta-analysis reinforces the empirical evidence that social support remains a key determinant of social health, while also demonstrating that its influence may evolve in response to changing social conditions.
These findings contribute to the literature by providing a consolidated and statistically grounded understanding of the relationship between social support and social health and by offering insights that are relevant for sociological research, social policy, and welfare-oriented interventions.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with Ethical Guidelines
This study is a meta-analysis based exclusively on data extracted from previously published studies and did not involve human participants, animals, or identifiable personal data. Therefore, ethical approval and informed consent were not required. Throughout the research process, the principles of scientific integrity, transparency, accurate reporting, and proper citation of all original sources were strictly observed.
Author’ Contributions
The author was responsible for the study conception and design, literature search, data extraction, data analysis, interpretation of the findings, manuscript preparation, and approval of the final version.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2025/11/27 | Accepted: 2026/06/30 | Published: 2026/08/31
Received: 2025/11/27 | Accepted: 2026/06/30 | Published: 2026/08/31
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