The manner in which social support mediates the relationship between stressful life events and psychological distress was examined. A random sample of 320 adult community residents completed and returned a questionnaire assessing levels of life stress, social support, and psychological adjustment. As hypothesized, a social support-life stress interaction term accounted for a statistically significant proportion of the variance for two adjustment outcome measures. Additionally, two methods of assessing social support were contrasted: one focusing on the qualitative aspects of the supportive relationships, the other on the quantitative aspects of the relationships. The results are discussed in light of frequent claims made concerning the efficacy of intervention programs based on the facilitation of natural social support networks. (Author/BEF)