The effects of perceived control on supportive message use: An analysis of social support interactions with distressed friends
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which persons' perceptions of control predicted their use of different types of supportive message strategies. Specifically, perceptions of control were measured in two ways: (1) as supporters' perceptions of the controllability of distressing situations involving friends and (2) as the individual differences in supporters' control orientations. It was hypothesized that persons with internal control orientations and who perceived the distressing situation as high in controllability would use more message strategies directed towards the provision of instrumental social support. Likewise, it was hypothesized that persons with external control orientations and who perceived the distressing situation as low in controllability would use more message strategies directed towards the provision of emotional social support. Results from the use of Hierarchical Multiple Regression procedures indicated that persons' internal control orientation scores predicted their use of advice-giving supportive message strategies. However, no additional hypotheses were confirmed. Limitations of the research are discussed along with implications for future research.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Webb, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication
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