单选题 Since we are social beings, the quality of our lives depends in large measure on our interpersonal relationships. One strength of the human condition is our tendency to give and receive support from one another under stressful circumstances. Social support consists of the exchange of resources among people based on their interpersonal ties. Those of us with strong support systems appear better able to cope with major life changes and daily hassles (困难). People with strong social ties live longer and have better health than those without such ties. Studies over a range of illnesses, from depression to heart disease, reveal that the presence of social support helps people fend off (挡开) 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 despite our faults and difficulties. Second, other people often provide us with informational support. They help us to define and understand our problems and find solutions to them. Third, we typically find social companionship supportive. Engaging in leisure-time activities with others helps us to meet our social needs while at the same time distracting (转移......注意力) us from our worries and troubles. Finally, other people may give us instrumental support—financial aid, material resources, and needed services— that reduces stress by helping us resolve and cope with our problems. (257 words)

单选题 Interpersonal relationships are important because______.

单选题 Research shows that people"s physical and mental health______.

单选题 Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "cushions" (Line 1, Para. 2)?

单选题 Helping a sick neighbor with some repair work is an example of______.

单选题 Social companionship is beneficial in that______.