Keep in touch: The effects of imagined touch support on stress and exploration

Jakubiak, Brittany K.; Feeney, Brooke C.

doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2016.04.001

Cited by 81 publications

(68 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Many of the behaviors we outline for promoting thriving are simple to enact, such as communicating availability, sharing companionship, providing encouragement, not unnecessarily interfering, communicating about life opportunities, and celebrating successes. In fact, research indicates that small acts of care (e.g., a few words of encouragement, an enthusiastic response to good news, being physically present and attuned) can have a profound impact on personal and relationship well-being (e.g., Coan, Schaefer, & Davidson, 2006; Collins, Jaremka, & Kane, 2014; Eisenberger et al, 2007, 2011; Feeney 2004, Feeney & Lemay, 2012; Feeney & Thrush, 2010; Gable & Reis, 2010; Kane, McCall, Collins, & Blascovich, 2012; Schnall, Harber, Stefanucci, & Proffitt, 2008), and that individuals can even benefit from symbolic proximity to close others (such that physical presence is not always required to reap the benefits of supportive others, Jakubiak & Feeney, 2014; Master et al, 2009; Mikulincer, Gillath, & Shaver, 2002; Smith et al, 2004) because they have developed mental representations of close others through repeated experience with them (Bowlby, 1982; Baldwin, 1992). …”

Section: Relational Support Functions As Predictors Of Thrivingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Look at Social Support

Feeney

Collins

2014

Pers Soc Psychol Rev

Self Cite

876

459

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Close and caring relationships are undeniably linked to health and well-being at all stages in the lifespan. Yet the specific pathways through which close relationships promote optimal well-being are not well understood. In this article, we present a model of thriving through relationships to provide a theoretical foundation for identifying the specific interpersonal processes that underlie the effects of close relationships on thriving. This model highlights two life contexts through which people may potentially thrive (coping successfully with life’s adversities and actively pursuing life opportunities for growth and development), it proposes two relational support functions that are fundamental to the experience of thriving in each life context, and it identifies mediators through which relational support is likely to have long-term effects on thriving. This perspective highlights the need for researchers to take a new look at social support by conceptualizing it as an interpersonal process with a focus on thriving.

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Section: Relational Support Functions As Predictors Of Thrivingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Look at Social Support

Feeney

Collins

2014

Pers Soc Psychol Rev

Self Cite

876

459

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“…In addition, experimental and observational studies show that real or imagined support from a significant other attenuates stress appraisals and cardiovascular reactivity and facilitates emotional recovery from acute stressors (Collins & Feeney, 2000; Collins et al, 2016; Kane, McCall, Collins, & Blascovich, 2012; Jakubiak & Feeney, 2016b; Smith, Ruiz, & Uchino, 2004). People who feel understood and accepted appraise the physical world as less daunting.…”

Section: Social Connection: Processes That Protect and Promote Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interpersonal mechanisms linking close relationships to health.

Pietromonaco

Collins

2017

American Psychologist

281

226

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Close relationships play a vital role in human health, but much remains to be learned about specific mechanisms of action and potential avenues for intervention. This article provides an evaluation of research on close relationships processes relevant to health, drawing on themes from major relationship science theories to present a broad conceptual framework for understanding the interpersonal processes and intrapersonal pathways linking relationships to health and disease outcomes. The analysis reveals that both social connection and social disconnection broadly shape biological responses and behaviors that are consequential for health. Furthermore, emerging work offers insights into the types of social dynamics that are most consequential for health, and the potential pathways through which they operate. Following from this analysis, the authors suggest several research priorities to facilitate the translation of discoveries from relationship science into relationship-based interventions and public health initiatives. These priorities include developing finer-grained theoretical models to guide research, the systematic investigation of potential mediating pathways such as dyadic influences on health behavior and physiological coregulation, and taking into account individual differences and contextual factors such as attachment style, gender, socioeconomic status, and culture. In addition, a pressing need exists for laboratory and field research to determine which types of interventions are both practical and effective.

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“…In close relationships, individuals experience intense emotions that can increase closeness and intimacy within the dyad (Butler, ; Reis & Shaver, ). Research has shown that affiliation processes within close relationships, such as disclosing thoughts and feelings and providing/receiving social support, help relieve anxiety and reduce negative affect (Jakubiak & Feeney, ; Kane, Slatcher, Reynolds, Repetti, & Robles, ; Slatcher, Robles, Repetti, & Fellows, ). Furthermore, experiences of joy, contentment, and gratitude can promote relational well‐being by increasing trust and solidifying bonds (Campos, Schoebi, Gonzaga, Gable & Keltner, ; Kubacka, Finkenauer, Rusbult, & Keijsers, ).…”

Section: Discrete Emotional Experiencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Affective processes as mediators of links between close relationships and physical health

Farrell

Imami

Stanton

et al. 2018

Social & Personality Psych

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Close relationships are known to predict physical health outcomes. The time has come for a shift toward achieving a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. One promising group of psychological mechanisms is affective processes, such as discrete emotions, emotion regulation, and affect reactivity. In this paper, we discuss the evidence linking relationship functioning with both the positive and negative valences of each affective process, considering the contributions of different types of close relationships across the lifespan, and the evidence for each affective process impacting physical health. We note evidence suggesting that affective processes may also have a causal impact on relationship function. When available, we review literature testing full mediational pathways, from relationship functioning to affective processes to physical health, as the ideal methodology for testing these links. Finally, we identify core themes and propose key future directions for this research.

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Keep in touch: The effects of imagined touch support on stress and exploration

Cited by 81 publications

References 47 publications

A New Look at Social Support

A New Look at Social Support

Interpersonal mechanisms linking close relationships to health.

Affective processes as mediators of links between close relationships and physical health

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