Since we are social beings, the quality of our lives depends in large measure on our interpersonal(人与人之间的)relationships. One strength of the human condition is our possibility to give and receive support from one another under stressful conditions. Social support makes up of the exchange of resources among people based on their interpersonal ties. Those of us with strong support systems appear better able to deal with major life changes and daily problems. People with strong social ties live longer and have better health than those without such ties. Studies over types of illnesses, from depression to heart disease, show that the presence of social support helps people defend themselves against illness, and the absence of such support makes poor health more likely.
Social support cushions stress in a number of ways. First, friends, relatives and coworkers may let us know that they value us. Our self-respect is strengthened when we feel accepted by others in spite of (尽管) our faults and difficulties. Second, other people often provide us with informational support. They help us to define （叙述明白）and understand our problems and find solutions to them. Third, we typically find social companionship(友谊) supportive. Taking part in free-time activities with others helps us to meet our social needs while at the same time distracting (转移，使……分心) us from our worries and troubles. Finally, other people may give us instrumental support---money aid, material resources, and needed services --- that reduces stress by helping us resolve and deal with our problems.
1. Interpersonal relationships are important because they can _____.
A. make people live more easily .B. smooth away daily problems
C. deal with life changes D. cure types of illness
2. The researches show that people’s physical and mental health _____.
A. lies in the social medical care systems which support them
B. has much to do with the amount of support they get from others
C. depends on their ability to deal with daily worries and trouble
D. is related to their courage for dealing with major life changes
3. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlines word “cushions”? _____.
A. takes place of . B. makes up of
C. lessens the effect of D. gets rid of
4. Helping a sick neighbor with some repair work in spare time is an example of
A. instrumental support B. informational support
C. social companionship D. the strengthening of self-respect
5. What is the subject discussed in the text? _____.
A. Interpersonal relationships . B. Kinds of social support
C. Ways to deal with stress D. Effects of stressful condition