Social networks: We get by with (and in spite of) a little help from our friends.

Can Positive Social Exchanges Buffer the Detrimental Effects of Negative Social Exchanges? Age and Gender Differences

“…Thus, the question arises as to whether positive social exchanges can ‘buffer’ against the toxic effects of negative social exchanges. Findings from research on this topic have been inconsistent [4, 6, 8, 10], in part because sociodemographic factors that could moderate the buffering effect have not been thoroughly investigated. The findings from the present study suggest that positive social exchanges are more likely to buffer against the detrimental mental health effects of negative social exchanges for women (not men) and for ‘younger old’ (and not ‘older old’) adults.…”

“…Findings from research on the buffering effects of positive social exchanges have been inconsistent [4, 6, 9, 10], perhaps in part because sociodemographic differences have not been properly addressed, and because the research has primarily focused on ‘within-domain’ and ‘cross-domain’ buffering. The present study tackles this gap in the research by specifically examining age and gender differences in the interaction between positive and negative social exchanges predicting mental health, and by using global (but multidimensional and parallel) assessments of positive and negative exchanges.…”

“…Empirical research concerned with the potential buffering effects of positive exchanges on the relationship between negative exchanges and mental health have produced mixed findings, ranging from no buffering [6], to support for the buffering hypothesis [8, 9, 10], to reverse buffering, whereby social support is found to amplify the harmful effects of negative exchanges [4, 10]. To understand these mixed findings, it is important to distinguish among ‘cross-domain’ buffering (i.e.…”

“…The purpose of the present study was to add to and clarify the growing body of literature that considers how positive aspects of social relationships can ameliorate the detrimental mental health effects of negative aspects of social relationships in late middle-aged and older adults. Specifically, findings from existing research exploring whether positive social exchanges can help to offset (or ‘buffer’ against) the harmful effects of negative social exchanges on mental health have been inconsistent [4, 6, 8, 9, 10]. One possible explanation for these inconsistent findings is that the nature of buffering effects varies according to sociodemographic characteristics that underlie different aspects of social network structure and function.…”

“…It is widely recognized that social support can ameliorate stress and facilitate coping with transitions (e.g. retirement), in addition to contributing directly to well-being in the absence of stressful events [4]. However, the fact that interpersonal relationships involve costs as well as benefits should not be overlooked [5, 6].…”