The numerous ways that supportive people can help others have been categorized broadly as either instrumental or emotional in focus. Instrumental support involves the provision of direct, pragmatic assistance aimed at solving problems. This can be by passing on information to facilitate better understanding of a stressful event, by helping to remove obstacles or counteract losses and harm, or by providing goods or financial assistance. Instrumental assistance can reduce the impact of a stressor by promoting effective coping strategies through the distribution of information and by facilitating protective action through the supply of tangible resources. Emotional support, in contrast, is aimed at the person instead of the objective problem or stressor. It may include helping the person escape from negative emotions and feel better, conveying warmth and affection, reaffirming a commitment to a nurturing relationship, talking about emotions, listening to what the suffering person wants to say, and in general encouraging the other person to feel loved, cared for, and valued.