Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Can Religiosity and Social Support Explain Effects of Trait Emotional Intelligence on Health-Related Quality of Life:
Hina Ghafoor1,2, Peter Nordbeck3, Oliver Ritter4
1Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Religion and social support along with trait emotional intelligence (EI) help individuals to reduce stress caused by difficult situations. Their implications may vary across cultures in reference to predicting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A convenience sample of N = 200 chronic heart failure (CHF) patients was recruited at cardiology centers in Germany (n = 100) and Pakistan (n = 100). Results indicated that trait-EI predicted better mental component of HRQoL in Pakistani and German CHF patients. Friends as social support appeared relevant for German patients only. Qualitative data indicate an internal locus of control in German as compared to Pakistani patients. Strengthening the beneficial role of social support in Pakistani patients is one example of how the current findings may inspire culture-specific treatment to empower patients dealing with the detrimental effects of CHF.
Related Concept Videos
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Importance of Need for Affiliation
Role of Emotions in Social Life
Cultural Influences on Personality

