Differences in the Association between Social Support and Mental Health in a Multi-Cultural Population in Israel

Individuals who report higher levels of social support also report better mental and physical health. This study characterises levels of social support in three distinct populations in Israel, and assesses the extent to which social support is associated with mental health. Data from the National Health Survey (2003?4) was analysed. Social support was measured by having trust in others, having someone to share problems with and size of social network. Mental health was measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Non-immigrant Jews reported higher levels of social support and better mental health than immigrants and Arabs. Mental health was associated with three of four measures of social support among Jews, but among immigrants and Arabs these associations were weaker. The association between social support and mental health may depend on the social context in which the individuals are embedded. This study may also suggest that current measures of social support may not be valid for the Arab community.