Lunch Time Seminar “Social Support in Couples: Visible versus Invisible Support”

14th January 2010

“Social Support in Couples: Visible versus Invisible Support”

Presented by Dr. Carolyn Cutrona

The first of the Child & Family Research Centre’s 2010 lunch time seminars begins on Thursday 14th January @ 1pm.

Dr Carolyn Cutrona, Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University will deliver a presentation entitled “Social Support in Couples: Visible versus Invisible Support”. The presentation examines recent research revealing that sometimes, social support is most helpful when the recipient does not realise that he or she is receiving support. Applications to parent-child interactions will also be discussed. The presentation will be followed by a brief discussion on how couples can maximise the actual comfort and encouragement that they communicate to their spouse.

Dr Cutrona published a book in 1996 entitled Social Support in Couples; Marriage as a Resource in Times of Stress. She has published scientific articles dealing with social support in adolescent mothers, caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, and other stressed populations. Carolyn is currently conducting a large longitudinal study of African American families from rural and suburban areas.


The seminar takes place from 1pm - 2pm on January 14th in room 117 at the Child and Family Research Centre, NUI, Galway.

As places are limited, to reserve a seat contact, Gillian Browne on (091) 495398 or e-mail gillian.browne@nuigalway.ie before Monday 11th January 2010.

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