Unraveling the Clues of Support: Exploring the Impact of Family and Friend Support on Stress Predictors

Professor Introduction

Y. L | Ph.D. in Psychology

Home Institute： University of Cambridge

Project Description

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of social support, particularly from family and friends, on predicting individual stress levels. Utilizing pre-collected survey data, the study will explore the extent to which perceived support from family members and friends influences self-reported stress or cortisol levels. By examining the relationship between social support and stress, this research seeks to elucidate the protective role of social connections on individual well-being. Understanding the role of family and friend support in mitigating stress can provide guidance for interventions aimed at enhancing social support networks and increasing resilience to stressors. Through the analysis of existing survey data, this study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of interaction between social relationships and stress responses, ultimately aiming to promote psychological and physical health outcomes.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1: Introduction to Social Support and Stress
•  Overview of fundamental concepts in social support and stress research.
•  Key principles and historical context of social support studies.
•  Applications and relevance to current psychological and biological research.

Part 2: Theoretical Frameworks
•  Exploration of theories related to social support, family dynamics, and stress.
•  Examination of psychological variables (e.g., perceived support, stress coping mechanisms).
•  Discussion on the role of cortisol as a biological marker of stress.

Part 3:  Literature Review
•  In-depth reading and analysis of existing literature on the impact of social support on stress levels.
•  Identification of major viewpoints and debates in current research.
•  Discussion on research gaps and the significance of this study.

Part 4:  Research Methods
•  Introduction to advanced statistical analysis methods used in social support and stress research.
•  Techniques for data collection and analysis in psychological and biological studies.
•  Practical exercises to develop research skills.

Part 5:  Data Analysis and Interpretation
•  Analysis of the existing dataset to explore the impact of family and friend support on stress levels.
•  Examination of the moderating role of perceived support from social connections.
•  Consideration of cortisol levels in the analysis.

Part 6:  Case Studies and Real-World Examples
•  Comparative analysis of stress levels in individuals with varying degrees of social support.
•  Examination of how social and biological factors influence stress.
•  Discussion on policy implications and best practices.

Part 7: Empirical Results and Discussion
•  Presentation and interpretation of research findings.
•  Discussion of the significance and impact of findings.
•  Identification of research limitations and suggestions for improvement.

Part 8:  Policy Recommendations and Interventions
•  Development of policy recommendations based on research findings.
•  Discussion on how to improve social support networks and stress management practices.
•  Practical suggestions for clinicians and policymakers.

Part 9:  Future Research Directions
•  Discussion of current trends and challenges in social support and stress research.
•  Identification of open problems and future research directions.
•  Encouragement for student-led research projects.

Part 10:  Conclusion and Summary
•  Summary of the main findings and conclusions.
•  Discussion of contributions to psychology and biology research.
•  Recommendations for future research and practice.

Part 11: Research Paper and Presentation
•  Guidance on writing a well-structured research paper.
•  Tips for effective academic writing.
•  Instructions on preparing and delivering an engaging oral presentation.

Suitable for

High School Students:  
• Interested in psychology, biology, and stress research, preparing for advanced studies or competitions.
• Basic knowledge of psychological and biological principles.

University Students:
• Majoring in psychology, biology, or related fields, seeking to deepen understanding and engage in research.
• Familiar with basic psychological theories and biological concepts.