Testing The Influence of Motivation and Ability Factors on Provision of Emotional Support: A Dual-Process Theory of Supportive Message Outcomes

Abstract

Emotional support plays a vital role in our life. It influences our health, happiness, and the quality of our relationships. However, communicating emotional support to others in crisis is not an easy task. Research and personal experience inform us that despite having good intentions, some people are better or worse at communicating comfort. Therefore, this study examined what makes people more or less effective at providing emotional support to others. Based on the theoretical model of the dual-process theory of supportive message outcomes, this study proposed a new model—the dual-process model of supportive message provision—and tested whether providers’ motivation and ability explained the varied quality of emotional support messages. Furthermore, this study identified several variables and examined their associations as motivational and/or ability factors. Findings provided support for several predictions suggesting that motivation and ability influence provides’ production of high-quality support messages. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of cognitive complexity and several other motivation and ability factors. Interpretations and implications of these findings are discussed with an emphasis on understanding the process of emotional support provision and suggesting directions for future research.