Stressful life transitions and wellbeing: A comparison of the stress buffering hypothesis and the social identity model of identity change. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Praharso, Nurul F.; Tear, Morgan J.; Cruwys, Tegan
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 247(2017)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 275
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Social identity -- Depression -- Social support -- Stress -- Multiple group membership; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.11.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: The relationship between stressful life transitions and wellbeing is well established, however, the protective role of social connectedness has received mixed support. We test two theoretical models, the Stress Buffering Hypothesis and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change, to determine which best explains the relationship between social connectedness, stress, and wellbeing. Study 1 (N=165) was an experiment in which participants considered the impact of moving cities versus receiving a serious health diagnosis. Study 2 (N=79) was a longitudinal study that examined the adjustment of international students to university over the course of their first semester. Both studies found limited evidence for the buffering role of social support as predicted by the Stress Buffering Hypothesis; instead people who experienced a loss of social identities as a result of a stressor had a subsequent decline in wellbeing, consistent with the Social Identity Model of Identity Change. We conclude that stressful life events are best conceptualised as identity transitions. Such events are more likely to be perceived as stressful and compromise wellbeing when they entail identity loss. Highlights: Two studies compared the stress-buffering hypothesis and the social identity approach. Social identity loss predicted reduced wellbeing following a stressful life event. Social identity loss mediated the effect of life transitions on wellbeing and stress. No support was found for the stress-buffering hypothesis.