Psychosocial Resources

Abstract Psychosocial resources are individual differences and social relationships that have beneficial effects on mental and physical health outcomes. The exact processes whereby psychosocial resources beneficially affect well-being and physical health outcomes have, until recently, been largely unknown. We examine chronic negative and positive affect, approach versus avoidant coping processes, and neural responses to threat as likely mediators. These, in turn, regulate psychological, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune responses, the likely proximal factors that lead to differential health outcomes. The origins of psychosocial resources are in the early environment, genetic predispositions, and their interaction. We conclude with consideration of whether psychosocial resources can be taught and a discussion of issues remaining to be addressed by future research.