Empirical Test of a Dual-Process Framework

Using data from 192 undergraduates asked to imagine a stressful experience, this study finds support for two primary contentions of a dual-process theory of supportive message outcomes: (a) message content impacts anticipated affect improvement (AAI) when processing motivation is high but not when low and (b) processing extent mediates the relationship between verbal person centeredness (VPC) and AAI for highly motivated participants. In addition, the dual-process framework was used to forward a modified theory of conversationally induced reappraisals. In support of this model, positive emotion words and situation reappraisal mediated the VPC-AAI link only when recipients afforded close attention to message content. The discussion focuses on how the dual-process framework might assist in modifying theories of supportive communication in other ways. Keywords social support, listening, message reception, information processing, stress When confronted with major or minor life stress, people seek support from others (Rime, Corsini, & Herbette, 2002). Although support from others can buffer the negative impact of stressful events (Cohen & McKay, 1984), it does not always help and can often make things worse (Bodie, in press-b; Dunkel-Schetter, Blasband, Feinstein, & Herbert, 1992). In an attempt to discover the underlying mechanisms that drive the helpfulness of support, sophisticated theories of supportive messages have been advanced that, together, suggest when support providers sincerely convey acknowledgment, comprehension, and understanding, the impact of stress can be mitigated; attempts to blame the stressed other at PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV on September 12, 2016crx.sagepub.comDownloaded fro