This survey of the nature, problems and outcomes of supportive interactions covers a wide range of contexts and relationships. Exploring social support between friends, spouses, family members and co-workers, both qualitative and quantitative studies in natural and laboratory settings are discussed. The contributors examine: methods and models for assessing specific messages through which people attempt to provide support; approaches for examining the form and content of specific social support interactions; and how features of social relationships convey and contextualize support.