Interpersonal Trust and Social Skill in Seeking Social Support Among Chinese and Americans

Abstract

The present study examined how social skills and interpersonal trust facilitate the support-seeking process in two different cultures, namely, those of China and the United States. Drawing from Sensitive Interactions Systems Theory and attachment theory, the current study examines the connections between social skill, interpersonal trust, the perceived appropriateness of seeking support, and the likelihood of displaying emotional distress to friends. Results indicated both similarities and differences between Americans and Chinese in terms of support seeking. Across both cultural groups, interpersonal trust was associated with appropriate help seeking, which, in turn, predicted the likelihood of showing emotional distress to friends. The two culture groups differed in terms of attenuating displays of distress (showing less than one actually feels). Among Chinese participants, attenuating displays of emotion was seen as positive and was associated with appropriateness. Among European Americans, attenuating displays of distress was negatively associated with appropriateness.

How Social Context Cues in Online Support-Seeking Influence Self-Disclosure in Support Provision

“…From this perspective, trust is a reflection of one's confidence in an other's goals or purposes and a perception of an other's sincerity (Tanis & Postmes, 2005). Interpersonal trust is crucial to supportive communication because it influences the establishment of a supportive relationship (Mortenson, 2009). People are more likely to seek and receive help from trustworthy others (Ommen et al, 2008).…”

Social Skills, Friendship and Happiness: A Cross-Cultural Investigation

“…As for SS, it has been argued that individuals in individualistic cultures (U.S.A.) are likely to have greater SS (e.g., due to socialization goals of parents) compared to those in collectivistic cultures (e.g., Chen & French, 2008;Triandis, Bontempo, Villareal, Asai, & Lucca, 1988). Even though some studies provided evidence supporting this view (e.g., Chen et al, 2004), others did not find any difference (e.g., Mortenson, 2009). As for friendship, theory suggests that friendships are more intimate and closer in collectivistic when compared to individualistic cultures (e.g., Triandis et al, 1988).…”

Relationships Among Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Faith in People in Chinese Heroin Abusers

“…On one hand, as explained above, faith in people, which influences an individual's perception of and behavior towards others, also impacts that individual's interpersonal relationships and social support (Mortenson, 2009). In some studies it has been found that social support for drug abusers is significantly related to their self-esteem (Chong & Lopez, 2005).…”

“…Consequently, having more faith in people leads to better interpersonal relationships and more social support, which, in turn, affects self-esteem. On the other hand, interpersonal trust is associated with appropriate help seeking, which, in turn, predicts the likelihood of displaying emotional distress in front of friends (Mortenson, 2009). This is an effective way to relieve pressure and depression caused by some stressors that would impact on self-esteem, because self-esteem and depression significantly affect each other (Rosenberg et al, 1995).…”