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 |