Social support (perceived vs. received) as the moderator between the relationship of stress and health outcomes: Importance of locus of control


Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Psikoloji Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2008

Öğrenci: RUTH YASEMİN EROL

Danışman: ÖZLEM BOZO ÖZEN

Özet:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the moderator role of different types of social support (perceived vs. received) on the relationship between stress and health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and physical health) among the Turkish freshmen university students (with internal vs. external locus of control). In order to measure received social support, The Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors (ISSB) (Barrera, Sandler, & Ramsay, 1981), was adapted into Turkish culture in Study 1 by using Middle East Technical University (METU) students from various departments. The sample of Study 2 consisted of 224 METU freshman students from several departments. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with perceived/received social support and stress (frequency, intensity, general) as independent variables and depression, anxiety, and general physical health problems as dependent variables for internal locus of control and external locus of control students separately. The findings suggested that for both internals and externals, stress intensity, stress frequency, and general stress predicted depression, anxiety, and general physical health problems for both perceived and received social support. Different patterns of relationships were found among perceived/received social support, stress (frequency, intensity, general), and the outcome variables (depression, anxiety, general physical health problems) for internal locus of control and external locus of control students. The findings and strengths as well as the limitations of the study were discussed.