Social Support, Negative Social Interactions, and Psychological Well‐Being

TLDR

Social support research has largely ignored negative interactions, which evidence shows can be more harmful than supportive effects. This article critically reviews literature on how social support and negative interactions jointly influence psychological well‑being. The review categorizes studies into additive, moderator, and domain‑specific models to address identified limitations. Analysis of 28 studies uncovers conceptual, theoretical, and methodological gaps and recommends future research directions for social work practice.

Abstract

Research examining the relationship between social support and psychological well‐being has largely ignored the negative side of social interactions. However, empirical evidence suggests that negative interactions can potentially be more harmful than social support is helpful. This article critically reviews the literature investigating the relationship between social support and negative social interactions and their simultaneous effect on psychological well‐being. A review of 28 studies revealed that there are conceptual, theoretical, and methodological limitations associated with this body of research. In order to unravel some of these limitations, studies are grouped according to three conceptual models: the additive effects model, the moderator model, and the domain‐specific model. Finally, the article discusses directions social work practice research should take to tackle and fully appreciate the complexities of the relationship between social support and psychological well‐being.