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The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
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Can Expressing Positivity Elicit Support for Negative Events? A Process Model and Review
Rebecca M Walsh1, Amanda L Forest1
1University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Summary
Expressing positivity when seeking support for negative events can help elicit more support. This strategy can strengthen providers
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Garnering social support for distressing experiences is crucial but challenging.
- The role of emotional expression in support-seeking dynamics is complex.
- Previous research has not fully explored the nuanced impact of positivity in distress contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if expressing positive emotions and thoughts during support-seeking for negative events aids in eliciting support.
- To present a theoretical process model explaining the mechanisms behind positivity's effect on support.
- To investigate the multifaceted role of the support seeker in shaping support outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical model development outlining support-eliciting and suppressing pathways.
- Review of existing research evidence for indirect pathways (provider motives, mood, effectiveness).
- Examination of direct pathways and consideration of moderators and types of positivity.
Main Results:
- Expressing positivity can increase support by enhancing provider's pro-relational motives, positive mood, and perceived support effectiveness.
- Positivity may also decrease support by undermining the provider's appraisal of the support seeker's needs.
- Support seekers play an active role in influencing the support they receive.
Conclusions:
- The theoretical model provides a novel perspective on how positive expressivity can be beneficial even in distress-related contexts.
- Understanding these pathways can help optimize support-seeking strategies.
- Future research should further explore moderators and different forms of positivity in support dynamics.
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