The increasing penetration of power-electronics interfaced resources
brings new challenges regarding the small-signal stability of power
systems. To address this issue, grid-forming controlled converters have
emerged as an alternative to their conventional grid-following
counterparts. This paper investigates the mechanisms behind converters
driven stability and quantifies the stabilizing effect of grid-forming
controls. The linearized state space model of different combinations of
control strategies is analyzed in a multi-infeed system considering
various operating points. Through a parametric sensitivity study and an
examination of the participation factors of key eigenvalues of the
linearized models, it is confirmed that grid-forming controls contribute
to system stabilization. Moreover, this paper demonstrates that this
stabilizing effect varies significantly depending on the specific
grid-forming control implemented: whether a current control loop is used
or not, notably impacts stability.