Social support describes responsive and caring behaviors for another person. It can encompass behaviors showing instrumental or emotional help. Social support behaviors can range from showing respect, helping to solve a problem, cheering someone up, listening to concerns, or just talking. Behaviors like these are important in sustaining a relationship and can often be associated with positive relationship outcomes, like satisfaction, wellbeing, and physical health.

In a previous study, researchers investigated the differences in social support behaviors in older married couples (at least one member from each couple was 70 or older) (Acitelli & Antonucci, 1994). Results from this study showed that although social support behaviors were generally equal between husbands and wives, wives benefited more from receiving support compared to husbands. In other words, wives who received more social support behaviors experienced more satisfaction and greater ratings of wellbeing compared to husbands.

The difference in gender suggests that men who engage in social support behaviors may have a greater impact on their wives’ overall happiness. It may also be that women, who are more relationally oriented, are also more sensitive to relationship cues like receiving social support behaviors. While supporting your partner may be beneficial for each person in a relationship, it may have an extra relationship benefit when directed towards the woman you love.

Further Reading:

Acitelli, L. K., & Antonucci, T. C. (1994). Gender differences in the link between marital support and satisfaction in older couples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67, 688-698.

Cunningham, M. R., & Barbee, A. P. (2000). Social support. In C. Hendrick, & S. S. Hendrick (Eds.). Close relationships: A sourcebook (pp.272-285). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.