Theorists claim that emotional support is one of the most significant provisions of close relationships, and studies suggest that the receipt of sensitive emotional support is associated with diverse indices of well-being (Burleson, 2003). Research highlighting the beneficial outcomes of emotional support raises several important questions. Does emotional support play a similar role in the personal relationship of both men and women and those representing different ethnicities and nationalities? Is what counts as effective, sensitive, emotional support the same for everyone? When seeking to provide emotional support, do members of distinct social groups pursue similar or different goals?

Burleson (2003) attempted to answer these questions by reviewing and synthesizing empirical research assessing gender, ethnic, and cultural differences in emotional support in an effort to ascertain the extent and import of these differences.