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Optimally matching support and perceived spousal sensitivity.

Carolyn E Cutrona1, Philip A Shaffer, Kristin A Wesner

  • 1Department of Psychology, Institute for Social and Behavioral Research, Iowa State University, IA 50010, USA. ccutrona@iastate.edu

Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43)
|January 9, 2008
PubMed
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Matching support behaviors, particularly emotional support, enhance perceived partner sensitivity in relationships. Mismatched support can decrease satisfaction, highlighting the importance of context in social support.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • Partner sensitivity is a key factor in developing intimacy and attachment.
  • The optimal matching model of social support suggests support effectiveness depends on matching support behaviors to individual needs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if support behaviors that match support goals predict perceived partner sensitivity.
  • To examine the impact of matched versus mismatched support on relationship outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 59 married couples during a videotaped self-disclosure task.
  • Defined "matching support" as providing emotional support after emotion disclosure or informational support after information requests.
  • Analyzed the relationship between support behaviors, perceived partner sensitivity, and marital satisfaction.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Emotional support following emotion disclosure predicted higher perceived partner sensitivity.
  • Mismatched emotional support negatively impacted marital satisfaction via reduced partner sensitivity.
  • Negative partner responses to information requests predicted lower perceived partner sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • The effectiveness of social support is contingent on the context and the "match" between support provided and support sought.
  • Tailoring support behaviors to specific needs is crucial for fostering positive relationship dynamics and perceived partner sensitivity.