Abstract

In the present studies, the main effect hypothesis of social support were compared with the buffering effect hypothesis of social support. The former stated that lack of social support and changes in support over time are stressors in themselves, and as such ought to have direct influences upon psychological symptomatology, whether or not other stressful circumstances occur. The latter states that individuals experiencing significant life stress, but with strong social support, will be protected from developing symptomatology associated with stress. In a preliminary field study, the relationships of negative life events, social support, and psychological symptomatology were explored, and it was found that social support had a positive relation to psychological adaptation regardless of the number of negative life events. Considering this result, the present study examined the influences of the manipulated stressfulness and social support on performances of dual task and anxiety. The results of study were as follows. Supported groups recalled more items than non-supported groups. Low-stressed groups recalled more items than high-stressed groups. And low-stressed group which was supported recalled more than any other groups. That is, the main effects of social support and stressfulness were found on recall. The main effects of anxiety was also found. However, no interaction effects were found. These results supported the main effect hypothesis of social support. But there were also the tendencies of the buffering effect in the particular types of social support. These suggest that main effects and buffering effects may exist depending on the types of social support and the characteristics of stressful event.