In the literature, two perspectives on or main types of support in general can be distinguished. First, an individual may feel appreciated and cared for by others. This is the basis of socioemotional support. Support may also reflect more (in)direct forms of help, that is, instrumental support. Several contemporary psychological theories suggest that people wish and act to retain and extend the pool of resources available to them. Dependent care support in particular involves resources or support directed at an individual’s (extended) family members (i.e., spouse, children, relatives, and friends). Support for a person’s dependents may generally originate from three different sources or domains:
(1) a person’s work domain (e.g., policies issued by one’s employer, a supportive supervisor, supportive colleagues), (2) the (extended)family domain (e.g., supportive spouse, children, relatives, and friends), and (3) the broader community (e.g., community organization services, supportive neighbors, regional or national legislation).
