Social connectedness, dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors, and psychological distress: Testing a mediator model.

TLDR

The study examined whether social connectedness reduces psychological distress through dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors, hypothesizing a mediating effect. The authors revised and validated the Social Connectedness Scale in two college‑student samples before testing the mediation model. In a third study of 184 students, the mediation hypothesis was supported, underscoring the need to assess connectedness and tailor counseling for those with low connectedness and dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors.

Abstract

The study examined the relationship among social connectedness, dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors, and psychological distress. The authors specifically hypothesized that the direct negative effect of social connectedness on psychological distress would be mediated by dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors. Prior to testing the hypothesis, the authors revised the original Social Connectedness Scale (SCS; R. M. Lee & S. B. Robbins, 1995). Studies 1 and 2 describe the revision and validation of the SCS on separate samples of college students. In Study 3, the authors surveyed 184 college students and found support for the mediation hypothesis on general psychological distress. The importance of assessing social connectedness and tailoring counseling interventions for people with low connectedness and dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors is addressed.