A comparison of the influence of conflictual and supportive social interactions on psychological distress

Following a quantitative review examining the relative influence of positiv e and negative social exchanges on emotional health, a second-order factor model of negative social exchange was tested and supported in a sample of 9 06 college students. Structural equation analysis exploring the unique effe cts of negative social exchange and perceived support satisfaction on depre ssion revealed both variables to predict this outcome, over and above the c ontribution of personality and coping variables. In addition to the direct effects of the Big Five personality dimensions on depression, indirect effe cts of the Big Five via negative social exchange, support satisfaction, and avoidant coping also were observed. Although the prevailing belief among s upport researchers is that the negative effects of conflictual social inter actions outweigh the positive effects of social support, the results of the quantitative review suggest boundary conditions that qualify this conclusi on. In addition to corroborating a hierarchical measurement model of negati ve social exchange, the results of the present investigation suggest that h ow social support and social negativity are measured substantially influenc es conclusions concerning their relative impact on psychological distress.