Abstract
Individuals with mental illness commonly experience uncertainty related to not only the condition itself but also personal and social implications surrounding mental illness. Support from family has the potential to alleviate uncertain feelings and reduce perceived stress. Drawing on the sensitive interaction systems theory, this longitudinal study investigated the support seeking processes and outcomes in mental illness. Results suggested that perceived uncertainty about mental illness was negatively associated with desired emotional and informational support from close family. Desired support predicted received support and reduced perceived stress 2 weeks later. The effect of desired support on received support was mediated by direct support seeking behaviors. Communication efficacy, relational trust, and motivation to seek support moderated the associations between desired support and support seeking behaviors. Findings offer theoretical and practical implications for support seeking from family members in mental illness.
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