Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Benefits of negative social exchanges for emotional closeness
Helene H Fung1, Dannii Y Yeung, Kin-Kit Li
1Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sino Building, Chung Chi College, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. hhlfung@psy.cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract:
Negative exchanges in social relationships have traditionally been studied as having negative consequences. This study explored whether they might have positive effects for relationship closeness. The sample included 351 adults, aged between 18 and 91 years, residing in Hong Kong, China. Closeness of social partners to the participants was measured by the Social Convoy Questionnaire, and the levels of negative exchanges and social support from each social partner were assessed. Multilevel analyses revealed that more negative exchanges were associated with a more positive change in closeness over a 2-year period, even after statistically controlling for social support and sociostructural characteristics of the participant and the social partner. Findings extended our knowledge on the positive effects of negative exchanges and their moderating conditions.
More Related Videos
09:40Measuring Neural and Behavioral Activity During Ongoing Computerized Social Interactions: An Examination of Event-Related Brain Potentials
Published on: November 15, 2014
08:09Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Benefits of Self-Esteem
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Importance of Need for Affiliation