While research strongly suggests that social support can be effective in helping patients increase their compliance with medical regimens, many more specific questions remain unanswered. These include: (1) how are physicians using social support in an effective manner; (2) what are the most effective ways for physicians and their office staff to involve social support network members and significant others in patients' care; (3) what is the most effective way to teach physicians how to involve others in patients' treatment; (4) which patients will desire and benefit from their families' involvement and which patients won't; and (5) how can physicians economically identify the differences between these two groups. Applied research is needed in this area. It is important to investigate the mechanisms of action through which social support and compliance are correlated. Social comparison theory is important in this area. Another theoretical application is the use of "vicarious observation" by significant others, as has been done with cardiac rehabilitation patients. A major assumption which researchers in the field of social support should not take for granted is that it is easier to modify social support than to reduce stress. (ABL)