Which approach focuses on a social support network to mitigate stress effects?

The buffering hypothesis is a concept in psychology that suggests that social support serves as a protective factor that can mitigate the effects of stress. According to this hypothesis, having a strong social support network—such as friends, family, or community connections—can provide individuals with emotional support, practical assistance, and resources that help them cope with stressors more effectively. By buffering the individual from the negative impacts of stress, this support can enhance resilience and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced mental health issues.

In contrast, the other approaches do not primarily emphasize the use of social networks to address stress. Person-centered therapy focuses on the individual's self-exploration and understanding through a client-centered relationship with a therapist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy targets the individual's thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health, while psychodynamic therapy delves into unconscious processes and past experiences. None of these methods specifically posits social support as a central mechanism for reducing stress effects, which distinguishes the buffering hypothesis as the correct response to the question.