Ukranian Academy of Sciences

Research on social support has identified differences in levels of support between cultures but has provided only a limited expla-nation of the role of values or beliefs in accounting for such vari-ations. In this article, the authors examine the relationship between fatalism and perceived support among 2,672 respon-dents in four former Soviet states (Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, and Belorussia), with participants drawn from groups of man-ual workers, managers, civil servants, students, and the retired in these four countries. The authors also examine the conse-quences of such social support for mental health across these nations. Findings indicate a small but significant moderator effect for fatalism on the relationship between social support and mental health. These results are discussed in the context of the continuing economic and social challenges facing the citizens of these nations. The past decade has witnessed major upheavals in the economic and political structure of the Former Soviet Union, with profound effects on both the living condi-tions and social networks of those living in this regio