Social Support and Depression in a Relationship Context: The Role of Relational Maintenance Behavior

• In Event: Children & Family Health Communication

Abstract

This study examined social support and relationship maintenance behavior as predictors of health and relational outcomes in provider-recipient contexts. The sample consisted of 524 Chinese mothers who participated in an online survey about their social support experience from their mothers-in-law. The results indicated that social support produced more beneficial effects on depression when recipients had a more satisfying relationship with support providers. Relationship maintenance behavior played a more significant role than social support in reducing depression and in increasing relational satisfaction. Implications for social support research in relationship contexts are discussed.

Author

• Zheng An, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication