Expressing the good in bad times: Examining whether and why positive expressivity in negative contexts affects romantic partners' responsive support provision

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2024 Jan 22. doi: 10.1037/pspi0000449. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTReceiving high-quality, responsive support in times of distress is critical but difficult. In a theoretical review, we previously proposed a process model that explains why support-seekers' positive expressivity can elicit-but may sometimes suppress-supportive responses from partners (providers) within distress-related contexts. In the current work, we aimed to test direct and indirect pathways linking seeker's positive expressivity in negative disclosures to provider's support while addressing notable gaps in the existing literature. Studies considered seeker-expressed positivity as broad, unitary construct (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and explored different types of positivity (Studies 1, 3, and 4): partner-oriented positivity (e.g., gratitude), stressor-oriented positivity (e.g., optimism), and unspecified positivity (e.g., pleasant demeanor). In behavioral observation studies of romantic couples (Studies 1 and 4), seeker-expressed positivity in negative disclosures positively predicted provider responsiveness, even when controlling for seeker-expressed negativity and other plausible third variables. Online experiments with manipulations of seeker-expressed positivity (Studies 2 and 3) yielded causal evidence of positivity's direct support-eliciting effects. Considering positivity types, partner-oriented positivity and stressor-oriented positivity showed the most robust support-eliciting pote...
Source: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research