Table 1 Definitions of support
Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
Emotional support | Expressions of empathy, love, trust and caring [13]. Emotional support also entails sympathy, understanding and/or esteem or value provided by others [9] |
Instrumental support | Help, aid or assistance with tangible needs and services [13] |
Appraisal support | Provision of information that is useful for self-evaluation, help in decision making and giving appropriate feedback [9, 13] |
Informational support | Provision of advice, suggestions and information in the service of particular needs [9, 13] |