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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Jun 22.
Published in final edited form as: Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2014 Aug 14;19(2):113–147. doi: 10.1177/1088868314544222

Table 3.

Immediate outcomes of receiving SOS and RC support: Pathways linking support to long-term thriving

Immediate Outcome SOS Support RC Support
1. Emotional state Decreases in negative emotions: fear, anxiety, doubt, discouragement, sadness, despair, loss/grief, guilt, shame, embarrassment, hurt/broken-heartedness, rejection, loneliness, helplessness, anger, frustration, resentment, jealousy, envy
Increases in positive emotions: love, hope, gratitude, forgiveness, safety, security, relief, serenity/peace/calmRestore healthy affective balance
Increases in positive emotions: enthusiasm, excitement, pride, interest, happiness, joy, wonder, awe, curiosity, amusement, surprise; feel inspired, lively, energetic, invigorated; also feel love, gratitude
Decreases in negative emotions: release from concerns about failure or guilt for use of resources (anticipatory worry)
2. Self-evaluations and self-perceptions Increased self-acceptance and self-compassion; Restored sense of self-integrity
Perceive self as capable of overcoming adversity
Perceive self as strong and resilient
Increased self-confidence; feelings of competency & empowerment; state self-esteem
Perceive self as capable of accomplishing goals (state self-efficacy)
Perceive self as accomplished/skilled and engaged in life
3. Appraisals of the situation or event Appraisals of resources as outweighing demands
View problem as controllable and temporary, or belief that one can deal successfully with it if cannot be changed
Appraisals of experience as leading to positive change
Expect positive outcomes of engaging in opportunity; expect to accomplish goals
Appraisals of experience as valuable, worth time and effort
View opportunity as meaningful and having potential to impact others
4. Motivational state Switch from avoidance/prevention orientation to approach/promotion orientation
Motivated to make changes in life and rebuild; motivated to persevere
Motivated by expectations of what can be (not what currently is)
Approach/promotion motivation toward the opportunity; increased intrinsic motivation
Motivated to stretch to new levels (not settle for good enough)
Motivated to leave comfort zone to reach potential
5. Situation-relevant behaviors, resources, and outcomes Improvements in coping strategies and self-regulation
Problem resolution; A changed circumstance/outcome or successful adaptation to a circumstance that cannot be changed
Successful rebuilding (replace old with new)
Learning from the experience
Engagement in and persistence at life opportunity
Goal accomplishment/progress
Production of high quality result
Opened doors for more opportunities
Learning from the experience
6. Relational outcomes, attitudes, and expectations Feelings of trust (confidence in partner’s availability and goodwill)
Feelings of emotional closeness with partner
Feel accepted, loved and cared for despite vulnerabilities
Belief that seeking support in adversity is beneficial
Feelings of social acceptance and bonding
Feel valued and respected by others
Form new social connections
View that others believe in one’s abilities (reflected appraisals)
Self-expansion with partner
Belief that seeking support for life opportunities is beneficial
7. Neural activation and physiological functioning Deactivation of neural areas associated with threat
Increased activation of reward-related neural areas associated with safety
Adaptive immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular functioning associated with reduced stress response (reduced cortisol & cardiovascular threat response)
Release of neuropeptides involved in social bonding (endogenous opioids and increased oxytocin)
Increased activation of neural areas associated with reward, positive affect, positive challenge, representation of goals, decision-making, and dopamine release
Adaptive immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular functioning associated with positive affect and challenge
Increases in anabolic processes (increases in bone and muscle mass)
8. Health and lifestyle behaviors Better diet/nutrition (less stress-induced eating) and sleep quality (not affected by stress or rumination)
Decreased use of addictive substances as means of coping
Better self-care, adherence to health-care regimens
Increased physical and mental activity
More restorative activities (relaxation, hobbies, sports, vacation)
Better diet/nutrition and sleep quality associated with increases in positive affect
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