Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Comfort and support refer to providing emotional assistance or reassurance to another individual during times of stress or hardship.
Related terms
Emotional Support: This is the expression of empathy and understanding towards someone who is experiencing distress. It's like a friend giving you a hug when you're upset - they can't fix what's wrong, but their understanding makes you feel better.
Instrumental Support: This refers to providing tangible help or services that directly assist a person in need. It’s like if your car broke down and a friend came to pick you up – they’re offering practical help to solve an immediate problem.
This involves having friends, family, and other people to turn to in times of need or crisis for emotional comfort and material assistance. It's like having a team behind you - even if they can't play the game for you, knowing they're cheering for you from the sidelines can give you the strength to keep going.