Mediating Effects of Emotional Support Reception and Provision on the Relationship between Group Interaction and Psychological Well-Being: A Study of Young Patients.

Steven Sek-Yum Ngai,Spencer Yu-Hong Chau,Lin Wang,Elly Nga-Hin Yu,Chau-Kiu Cheung,Hon-Yin Tang,Jianhong Mo

doi:10.3390/ijerph182212110

Abstract

While it is well-established that mutual aid groups are effective in the psychological rehabilitation of vulnerable individuals, few studies have thoroughly investigated the dynamic mechanism of how psychological well-being improves through mutual aid groups of young patients with chronic health conditions. In connection with several existing theories (i.e., the helper therapy principle, equity theory, the norm of reciprocity, and the concept of communal relationships), this study aims to: (1) evaluate whether emotional support exchanges (i.e., emotional support reception and provision) mediate the relationship between group interaction and psychological well-being; and (2) compare three potential underlying mechanisms—the mediating role of emotional support provision, equitable reciprocity (i.e., a balance of receiving and providing emotional support, where no party over-benefits or under-benefits), and sequential reciprocity (i.e., repaying the helper or a third party in the future after receiving help)—through a path analysis model. A stratified random sampling procedure with chronic health conditions as the stratifying criterion was used to recruit 391 individuals aged 12–45 years from mutual aid groups in Hong Kong, who completed both the baseline and follow-up surveys over a 12-month interval. The results of the path model revealed significant mediating roles of emotional support provision and sequential reciprocity, not equitable reciprocity. The present study offers theoretical and practical implications for promoting the psychological well-being of young patients with chronic health conditions.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilChronic health conditions are illnesses persisting for at least one year that restrict daily activities and require ongoing treatment [1]
To address this research gap, the current study aims to examine the underlying mechanism enhancing young PCHC’s rehabilitation outcomes, especially psychological well-being in mutual aid groups
A full list of mutual aid groups for PCHC was made available through the aid of a major non-governmental organization that focuses on supporting persons with disabilities or health challenges in Hong Kong

Summary

Introduction

Chronic health conditions are illnesses persisting for at least one year (such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) that restrict daily activities and require ongoing treatment [1]. In addition to the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions recorded worldwide [2], the early onset of chronic health conditions has become another common trend that no longer concerns only the older population. This emerging trend is attributable to widespread unhealthy lifestyles, such as poor dietary habits and physical inactivity [3]. In Hong Kong, approximately 12.6% of people younger than 45 years have chronic health conditions [5]. Besides enduring various challenging physical obstacles—including demanding treatment regimens, treatment side effects, and physical sequelae concomitant with their chronic conditions—these young patients with chronic iations

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion