Abstract
Social structure, social support and mental health. Previous research has revealed a persistent positive association between social support and mental health. However, most researchers have focused on the psychological and psychosocial aspects of social support. The present paper points out the need of including the social and structural basis of distress in our theoretical models. Starting from a general social and psychological model, our research considered the role of several social, environmental and structural variables (social position, social stressors, and social integration). The theoretical model was tested working on a sample of 401 subjects, whic h includes different social positions. The results obtained using structural equation modelling support our model, showing the relevant role played both by social support and social and structural factors. Implications for theory and intervention are discussed.
