Computer-mediated communication (CMC) and social support

Testing the effects of using CMC on support outcomes

Bibliographic Data

ID2932024
AuthorsA Rain (0000-0002-1639-8557, University of Arizona, corresponding author), Stephen A Rain, Steven R Brunner (0000-0002-6717-2275, University of California, USA), Chelsie Akers (University of Arizona), Corey A Pavlich (University of Arizona), Selin Gokta, Selin Goktas (University of Connecticut)
Year2017
Volume34
Issue8
Pages1186-1205
Publication date2017-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0265407516670533
OpenAlexW2524595018
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited46

Despite the growth in research examining the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) for exchanging social support, there remains much to learn about the support-related implications of CMC. An experiment was conducted to examine the influence of the reduced social cues associated with CMC on the outcomes of supportive interaction. Participants discussed a stressor with a confederate either face-to-face or via CMC and received informational or emotional support. Although they received the exact same support messages, participants in the CMC condition reported significantly greater worry and uncertainty discrepancy following the interaction than participants in the face-to-face condition. A main effect was also found for support message type. Consistent with the optimal matching model, informational support led to more beneficial outcomes than emotional support in response to the (controllable) stressor experienced by participants

Anxiety · Computer-mediated communication · Developmental psychology · Emotional support · Face (sociological concept · Social support · Stressor · The Internet · Worry · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Psychology