| dc.description.abstract | Prior research has demonstrated the positive impact of social support (SS) on mental health outcomes, which is conceptualized through two well-established models. The main effect model posits that SS directly influences mental health outcomes irrespective of concurrent life stressors, while the buffering model suggests that SS functions beneficially by mitigating the adverse health consequences of stress. This study revisits these models, specifically examining the role of online social support (OSS) facilitated through virtual means such as computer-mediated communication and social networking sites. Data on both general stress and COVID-19-related stress were collected. A sample of 756 adults were asked to report levels of structural and functional SS (in-person and online), general negative life events, COVID-19-specific negative life events, well-being, and depressive symptoms. Analyses revealed significant main effects of SS, OSS, and both types of stress on mental health outcomes. Furthermore, the buffering model received partial empirical support. These findings suggest that OSS may serve as a valuable tool in offsetting the negative health consequences of stress. This study is among the first to apply traditional theories of SS to OSS. Clinical implications, methodological considerations, and future directions are discussed. | |
