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Cited by 835Attachment and Relationship DynamicsHealth disparities and outcomesHealth and Well-being Studies

Supportive interactions, negative interactions, and depressed mood

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Schuster, Tonya L., Kessler, Ronald C., Aseltine, Robert H.·1990·American Journal of Community Psychology
DOI 10.1007/bf00938116
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Abstract

Research on the association between social relationships and emotional functioning has emphasized the health-promoting effects of social support. Yet there is reason to believe that the absence of negative social interactions may be more important for mental health than the presence of supportive interactions. In this investigation we clarify important characteristics concerning the source, the recipient, and the combined influence of support and negativity. Data are presented regarding supportive and negative interactions with spouse, relatives, and friends; regression analyses suggest that negative interactions are more predictive of depressed mood than supportive interactions (specifically with spouse and friends). We also document several specifications suggesting directions for future research on the special importance of interactions in intimate relationships and the synergistic effects of situations in which supportive and negative interactions both occur.

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Authors
Schuster, T. L., Kessler, R. C., & Aseltine, R. H.
Affiliations
  • University of Southern California (US)
  • University of Michigan (US)
Corresponding author
  • Schuster, Tonya L.
  • Kessler, Ronald C.
ORCID
Venue
American Journal of Community Psychology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
1990-06
Volume
18
Issue
3
Pages
423-438
ISSN
  • 0091-0562 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-2770
DOI
10.1007/bf00938116
OpenAlex
W1968714432
Cited by
835
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 41 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 46 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 35 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 26 · 2016: 34 · 2015: 43 · 2014: 32 · 2013: 36 · 2012: 33
FWCI
14.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • American Journal of Community Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Deep Blue (University of Michigan) (publishedVersion)
  • Deep Blue (University of Michigan) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5k02mh000507-08)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (T32MH168006, 1K02 MH00507, 1 M01 MH16806)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Health and Well-being Studies
Keywords
social support, negative social interactions, depressive mood, interpersonal relationships, intimate relationships, spouses, friends, relatives, emotional functioning, mental health
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Depression, Female, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Marriage, Personality Tests, Social Support

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