General Needs Satisfaction as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Ambivalence Over Emotional Expression and Perceived Social Support

ABSTRACT

The detrimental effect of ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) on social support has been well documented. However, the underlying mechanism of this effect remains unclear. Research has demonstrated that when general needs are not met, negative psychological outcomes occur. Thus, the current study investigated general needs satisfaction (GNS) as a potential mediator of the association between AEE and social support among 352 undergraduates. Results revealed that AEE was negatively associated with autonomy, relatedness, competence, and social support, whereas social support was positively associated with autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Further, GNS and each of its three subscales were all found to significantly mediate the association between AEE and social support. Thus, findings from the present study contribute to our understanding of AEE by illustrating a potential mechanism through which AEE may lead to a lack of perceived social support, namely GNS.

Keywords:

• ambivalence over emotional expression
• autonomy
• competence
• relatedness
• social support

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer Lynn Bryan

Jennifer Lynn Bryan conducted this research while at the University of Houston.

Michelle C. Quist

Michelle C. Quist, Chelsie M. Young, Mai-Ly N. Steers, and Qian Lu are affiliated with the Department of Psychology, University of Houston.

Chelsie M. Young

Michelle C. Quist, Chelsie M. Young, Mai-Ly N. Steers, and Qian Lu are affiliated with the Department of Psychology, University of Houston.

Mai-Ly N. Steers

Michelle C. Quist, Chelsie M. Young, Mai-Ly N. Steers, and Qian Lu are affiliated with the Department of Psychology, University of Houston.

Qian Lu

Michelle C. Quist, Chelsie M. Young, Mai-Ly N. Steers, and Qian Lu are affiliated with the Department of Psychology, University of Houston.