The nurse is assessing the social support of a patient who is recently divorced and has moved from their hometown to the city due to change in jobs. Which response related to social support would be most therapeutic?

A) Encourage the patient to begin dating again, perhaps with members of her church.
B) Discuss how divorce support groups could increase coping and social support.
C) Note that being so particular about potential friends reduces social contact.
D) Discuss using the Internet as a way to find supportive others with similar values.

High-quality social support enhances mental and physical health and acts as a significant buffer against distress. Low-quality support relationships are known to affect a person's coping effectiveness negatively. Resuming dating soon after a divorce could place additional stress on the patient rather than helping them cope with existing stressors. Developing relationships on the Internet probably would not substitute fully for direct contact with other humans and could expose the patient to predators misrepresenting themselves to take advantage of vulnerable persons.