Dyadic analysis of positive and negative social support behaviors and psychological outcomes in romantic couples

<p>The current study examined the effect of social support behaviors on psychological adjustment in couples. Couples (<em>N</em> = 123) completed surveys assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Observational support interactions were conducted to measure partners’ positive and negative affective support behaviors. Structural equation modeling and actor-partner interdependence models (APIM) were used to estimate effects. Results highlight the unfavorable effects of negative social support behaviors on one’s own depression symptoms. Additionally, men’s, but not women’s, negative support behaviors were found to be associated with elevated partner depression symptoms. No significant predictors were found in models predicting anxiety. The combination of partners’ support behaviors was not predictive of depression or anxiety symptoms in men or women. Future research should continue to examine the complex relationship between social support and psychological adjustment.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Parnell, Lucas H.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Chong Man Chow, Ph.D.
• Rusty McIntyre, Ph.D.
• Stephen Jefferson, Ph.D.

• anxiety;couples;depression;dyadic data;social support
• Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1201

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2569