Indirect Effects Of Social Support Research Articles

The correlation between social support, coping style, advance care planning readiness, and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Objective The primary goal for clinical healthcare professionals is to enhance the quality of life (QOL) of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to explore the correlation between social support, coping style, advance care planning (ACP) readiness, and QOL in patients with ALS. We also sought to analyze the mediating effect of coping style and ACP readiness between social support and QOL, and to provide insights for developing targeted interventions to improve patients’ QOL. Methods A cross-sectional design was used, with participants recruited through convenience sampling in Tianjin, China. Statistical analysis included the t-test, analysis of variance, correlation analysis, and mediating effect analysis. Results The study included 215 participants. The QOL of patients with ALS was at a medium level, with significant correlations between social support, coping style, ACP readiness, and QOL (all p < 0.01). The direct effect of social support on QOL was 0.403 (p = 0.018), accounting for 41.85% of the total effect. The total indirect effect of social support on QOL through coping style and ACP readiness was 0.560 (p < 0.001), accounting for 58.15% of the total effect. The chain mediating effect involving facing, avoiding, and ACP readiness accounted for 16.72%. Conclusion Social support directly influenced QOL and had an indirect impact through coping style and ACP readiness. Healthcare professionals can improve the QOL of patients with ALS by enhancing social support, disease-coping ability, and ACP readiness in clinical practice.

중학생의 사회적 지지와 삶의 만족도의 구조적 관계

Objectives This study reveals, from a middle school student perspective, the social support from parents, teach-ers, and friends, as well as the structural relationship of life satisfaction and self-esteem. Moreover, it explores the direct and indirect effects of social support on life satisfaction, focusing on the mediating effect of self-esteem. Methods For this purpose, the structural equation model was applied to Wave 4 of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018(KCYPS 2018) data set(7th grade, N = 2,275), conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Results The results are as follows: First, teacher support perceived by middle school students had a direct and significant effect on life satisfaction. Second, friend support perceived by middle school students did not sig-nificantly affect life satisfaction through the mediating effect of self-esteem, indicating a complete mediation ef-fect of self-esteem on life satisfaction. Third, parents support perceived by middle school students did not sig-nificantly affect life satisfaction, suggesting that middle school students may be more influenced by relationships with teachers and friends than by their relationships with parents. Conclusions This study confirms the significant impact of teacher support on life satisfaction and the significant influence of friend support on self-esteem among middle school students. It is significant in confirming the struc-tural relationship between social support, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among middle school students and verifying the mediating effect of self-esteem between social support and life satisfaction.

Social Support and Elderly People’s Happiness in China: Evidence from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)

To investigates the direct effect and indirect effect of three different types of social support on elderly people’s happiness, and to provide some suggestions for improvement. This descriptive and analytical study was carried out on 8,082 elderly who come from the CLHLS in 2018 dataset. Moreover, we conducted data analysis in 2 steps using multiple linear regression. The empirical results indicate that three dimensions of social support have a significantly positive effect on elderly people’s happiness. Furthermore, the indirect effect of family support and community support on elderly people’s happiness via the mental health is positive, while the indirect effect of relevant sector support on elderly people’s happiness via the mental health is not significant. Simultaneously, the indirect effect of social support on elderly people’s happiness via the physical health is also not significant. Social support has a considerable positive impact on happiness among elders. Thus, we suggested that an all-round, multi-level social support system should be developed to improve elderly people’s happiness.

The effects of social support and self-efficacy on hopefulness in low-income older adults during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundSocial support and self-efficacy play a significant role in improving positive psychological well-being in marginalized older adults. However, to date, there are few studies identifying the relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the effect of social support and self-efficacy on hopefulness in a majority Black sample of marginalized low-income older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study used baseline data from a clinical trial designed to increase COVID-19 testing in Essex County, NJ, United States. The dataset involved participants 50 years old or older. We conducted: 1) cross-sectional descriptive/frequency statistics to understand the sociodemographic characteristics, 2) multivariate linear regression to investigate the direct relationships between social support subscales or self-efficacy and hopefulness, and 3) mediation analyses to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and hopefulness.ResultsOur findings showed that self-efficacy had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between social support and hopefulness. After adjusting for covariate variables, social support subscales (i.e., emotional/informational, tangible, affectionate, positive social interaction social support) and self-efficacy were significantly associated with hopefulness. The indirect effect of social support via self-efficacy was positive and statistically significant.ConclusionSelf-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and hopefulness in marginalized older adults aged 50 and over. Further research is needed to identify the various facets of positive psychological well-being using longitudinal data and a larger sample size.

중국 여성의 평생학습 참여동기와 학습성과 관계에서 사회적 지지와 학습몰입 매개 효과 연구

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among lifelong learning motivation, social support, learning engagement, and learning outcomes in Chinese adult women to enhance their lifelong learning performance. The research examines differences in lifelong learning motivation, social support, learning engagement, and learning outcomes among Chinese adult women based on background variables. Additionally, the study analyzes the structural relationships between these variables and explores the mediating effects of social support and learning engagement. According to the results, adult women's motivation for lifelong learning has a positive impact on learning outcomes, and both learning orientation and goal orientation also positively influence learning outcomes. Positive relationships were observed between lifelong learning motivation and social support, learning orientation and social support, as well as goal orientation and social support. In terms of the relationship with learning engagement, both lifelong learning motivation and learning orientation had a positive impact, while the relationship with goal orientation was not significant. Furthermore, indirect effects of social support and learning engagement on learning outcomes were confirmed. Social support mediated the relationship between lifelong learning motivation and learning outcomes, as well as between learning orientation and learning outcomes, and goal orientation and learning outcomes. The study's findings highlight that Chinese women's lifelong learning motivation positively influences learning outcomes through social support and learning engagement. Consequently, the study suggests strategies to enhance lifelong learning motivation, improve social support, and foster learning engagement in Chinese women to elevate their learning outcomes. Efforts are emphasized to strengthen social support and promote diverse learning activities for the positive influence of women's lifelong learning motivation on learning engagement and outcomes.

The health status, social support, and subjective well-being of older individuals: evidence from the Chinese General Social Survey.

This study aims to investigate the impact of health status and social support on the subjective well-being of older individuals. Using data from the China General Social Survey 2017, this research analyzed 5,187 Chinese citizens aged 60 years and older. The predicted effect of each variable on subjective well-being was evaluated through hierarchical regression analysis. The direct and indirect effects of social support and health status on subjective well-being are examined based on a structural equation model. The mental health and social support positively impact subjective well-being. Mental health mediates the effect of physical health on subjective well-being, and social support mediates the relationship between physical and mental health and subjective well-being. The findings provide strong evidence for the interrelationship mechanisms among the factors influencing subjective well-being. Consequently, improving mental health services and social support systems is advantageous for enhancing the well-being of Chinese seniors.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SELF-EFFICACY ON HOPEFULNESS IN LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS AGED 50 AND OVER

Abstract Background Social support and self-efficacy play a significant role in improving positive psychological well-being in marginalized older adults. However, to date, there are few studies on identifying the relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the effect of social support and self-efficacy on hopefulness in marginalized low-income older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study used baseline data from a clinical trial designed to increase COVID-19 testing in Essex County, NJ. The dataset involved participants aged 50 and over. We conducted: 1) cross-sectional descriptive/frequency statistics to understand the sociodemographic characteristics, 2) multivariate linear regression to investigate the direct relationships between social support subscales or self-efficacy and hopefulness, and 3) mediation analyses to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and hopefulness. Results After adjusting for covariate variables, social support subscales (emotional/informational social support: b = 0.20, p &amp;lt; 0.05; tangible social support: b = 0.13, p &amp;lt; 0.05; affectionate social support: b = 0.17, p &amp;lt; 0.05; positive social interaction social support: b = 0.15, p &amp;lt; 0.05) and self-efficacy (b = 0.55, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with hopefulness. The indirect effect of social support via self-efficacy was positive and statistically significant (Effect = 0.14, Bootse = 0.04, BootLLCI - BootULCI = 0.06 - 0.23) Conclusion Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and hopefulness in marginalized older adults aged 50 and over. Further research needs to identify the various facets of positive psychological well-being using longitudinal data and larger sample size.

Mediation role of anxiety on social support and depression among diabetic patients in elderly caring social organizations in China during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDiabetes has become a prominent global public health problem, which is an important cause of death, disease burden, and medical and health economic burden.Previous studies have reported that majority of persons diagnosed with diabetes later presented with psychological and mental health diseases. The study aimed to explore the mediation role of anxiety on social support and depression among diabetic patents in elderly caring social organizations (SOs).MethodsA multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used in this cross-sectional study, and a questionnaire consisting of demographic questionnaire, MSPSS, GAD-7, and CES-D-10 was utilized to gather data. SPSS 22.0 and MPLUS 7.4 were used for statistical analysis. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate correlations of key variables. A generalized linear model was used to exam factors associated with depression. Finally, the mediation effect among study variables was investigated by structural equation modeling (SEM).ResultsThe average scores of social support, anxiety, and depression were 58.41 ± 14.67, 2.95 ± 3.95, and 7.24 ± 5.53, respectively. The factors of gender, social support, and anxiety were identified as significantly influential factors related to depression among diabetic patients in elderly caring SOs. The effect of social support on depression was significantly mediated by anxiety (β = -0.467, 95%CI: -0.813 to -0.251). Furthermore, anxiety partially mediated the relationship between family support and depression (β = -0.112, 95%CI: -0.229 to -0.012), and anxiety functioned as a complete mediator in the effect of significant others' support and depression (β = -0.135, 95%CI: -0.282 to -0.024).ConclusionsThe indirect effect of social support on depression through anxiety among diabetic patients in elderly caring SOs was elucidated. Social support played a key role in maintaining and regulating their mental health, particularly from family and significant others. Social support provided by both family and significant others exerted an important influence on maintaining and regulating their mental health. In light of this pathway, the elderly caring SOs should enhance the magnitude of social support from these two sources, thereby diminishing the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression.

고등학생이 지각한 사회적 지지와 학업무기력의 구조적 관계

Objectives This study reveals, from a high school student perspective, the social support from parents, teachers, and friends, as well as the structural relationship of academic helplessness and self-esteem. Moreover, it explores the direct and indirect effects of social support on academic helplessness, focusing on the mediating effect of self-esteem.&#x0D; Methods For this purpose, the structural equation model was applied to Wave 4 of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018(KCYPS 2018) data set(10th grade, N = 2,265), conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute.&#x0D; Results The results are as follows: First, parental support perceived by high school students did not significantly affect academic helplessness. Second, teacher support perceived by high school students had a direct and significant negative effect on academic helplessness. Third, the effect of friend support perceived by high school students on academic helplessness was partially mediated by self-esteem and also the friend support directly affected academic helplessness negatively.&#x0D; Conclusions Especially, the friend support is the only one variable which has not only direct effect but also indirect effect on the academic helplessness. Also, it comes out that the teacher support can affect on the academic helplessness directly. Based on the findings, support and countmeasures are presented to improve the level of academic helplessness of highschool students.

The Mediating Role of Self-Perceived Burden Between Social Support and Fear of Progression in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

To explore the mechanism of social support and fear of progression (FoP) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and the self-perceived burden that acts as a mediator between social support and FoP. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), and the Fear of Progression-Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) were used. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the mediating role of self-perceived burden. Our results showed that social support was negatively related to the self-perceived burden (r = -0.28, p < 0.001) and FoP (r = -0.37, p < 0.001). Moreover, we determined that self-perceived burden was positively related to FoP (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) and that the indirect effect of social support on FoP via self-perceived burden was significant (β = -0.172, 95% CI: -0.253, -0.097), and with a mediating effect value of 36.9%. The FoP in RTRs is a concern. Higher social support and lower self-perceived burden can reduce the risk of FoP. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) should assist RTRs in correctly evaluating an individual's social support system, helping them optimize social support to reduce the self-perceived burden and the development of FoP.

Effect of Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Social Support on Retiree Well-being with Self-efficacy as a Mediator Variable

Many psychological problems arise when facing retirement due to unpreparedness during this period. Unpreparedness is commonly triggered by their fears of being unable to meet primary and secondary needs. Physical issues such as retirement health are essential, but paying attention to psychological problems is also necessary. Research on the well-being of retirees needs to be done to see what factors influence both internally and externally. This study aims to test the retirement well-being model in terms of such aspects as gratitude, forgiveness, and social support mediated by self-efficacy. This study used the structure equation model (SEM) approach with a sample of 220 retirees aged at least 55 through a convenience sampling technique. The data was collected in Bandung and its surroundings for six months, from August 2019 to March 2020, through well-being, gratitude, forgiveness, social support, and self-efficacy scales. The results of the research model tested have a good fit with empirical data and meet the goodness of fit requirements. There is a direct influence of gratitude, social support, and self-efficacy on well-being. There is an indirect effect of social support on well-being through self-efficacy. The value of the indirect effect is smaller than the direct effect, meaning that self-efficacy is not a good mediator variable for social support for well-being. In conclusion, most retirees experience well-being due to social support from their environment and their gratitude and self-efficacy. The well-being of retirees can be increased by appreciation, having social support from the environment, and having confidence in one's ability to deal with problems.

Mediating effects of general self-efficacy on social support and quality of life in patients after surgical aortic valve replacement.

To explore whether general self-efficacy can mediate the relationship between social support and quality of life in patients after surgical aortic valve replacement. A cross-sectional design. The final analysis included 283 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement from May 2021 to September 2021. They completed a set of questionnaires, including the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Chinese Questionnaire of Quality of life in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and the Social Support Rating Scale. The PROCESS Macro in SPSS was used to analyse the mediating effect. Quality of life and all of its dimensions were significantly related to social support and general self-efficacy. A significant indirect effect of social support existed through general self-efficacy in relation to quality of life with the mediation effect ratio of 32.82%.

Revisiting the Trust of Online Services Middle Age M-Health Users in Indonesia

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to test the effects of social support and online trust behavior on the adherence in 212 middle-aged m-Health users in Indonesia. The data was obtained incidentally by distributing questionnaires to middle-aged m-Health users in Indonesia. The measuring instruments used are social support, online trust behavior, and the Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ). The survey method is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) program version 8.7. The results show a direct effect between social support and the adherence of middle-aged m-Health users, a direct effect of online trust behavior on the adherence of middle-aged m-Health users, and an indirect effect of social support on adherence mediated by online trust behavior in middle-aged m-Health users. The discussion of the results is described in the article.

Parallel effects of the need for relatedness: a three-wave panel study on how coworker social support contributes to OCB and depersonalisation

ABSTRACT The positive impact of coworker social support on employee behaviour and well-being is well-described in the job demands–resources model. However, the specific mechanisms through which it operates have received scarce research attention. The current study investigated the distinct roles of relatedness need satisfaction (i.e. connectedness) and need frustration (i.e. isolation) to explain how available coworker social support relates to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and depersonalisation. We used a three-wave panel design (N = 1259/704/405 at Time 1/2/3) to test the indirect effects of social support on OCB via connectedness and on depersonalisation via isolation. Coworker social support at Time 1 predicted increases in connectedness and decreases in isolation from Time 1 to Time 2. Contrary to expectations, increases in connectedness predicted decreases in OCB, and decreases in isolation did not predict decreases in depersonalisation, from Time 2 to Time 3. Overall, our results highlight the importance of coworker social support to increase connectedness and decrease feelings of isolation in the workplace, which can ultimately affect interpersonal work outcomes.

The Relationship Between Social Support and Suicide Resilience in Chinese Cancer Patients: A Serial Multiple Mediation Model Through Self-care Self-efficacy and Meaning in Life.

A growing body of literature has shown a higher risk of suicide in cancer patients compared with the general population. Early detection of factors related to suicide resilience in cancer patients could prevent loss of life. The study aimed to investigate the serial-multiple mediation of self-care self-efficacy and meaning in life in the relationship between social support and suicide resilience among Chinese cancer patients. A cross-sectional investigation of 287 cancer patients using a battery of self-reported questionnaires was performed. For preliminary analyses, descriptive, univariate, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. Mediation analyses were tested using a serial-multiple mediation model (PROCESS model 6). Mediation analysis indicated the indirect effects of social support on suicide resilience mediated solely by either self-care self-efficacy (point estimate = 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.30), or by meaning in life (point estimate = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.12), or by the multiple mediation of self-care self-efficacy to meaning in life (point estimate = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.06). The findings demonstrated the crucial direct or indirect effects of social support, self-care self-efficacy, and meaning in life on facilitating cancer patients' suicide resilience. Oncology nurses, as 24-hour care providers for cancer patients, may interact with and be important sources for the psychosocial care of cancer patients at risk of suicide. Prevention and intervention efforts must be directed at assisting cancer patients, improving self-care self-efficacy, and finding meaning in life after a cancer diagnosis.

Spirituality as a Mediator Between Social Support and Benefit Finding Among Advanced Cancer Patients.

Social support and benefit finding (BF) are important for cancer patients. The relationship between social support and BF has not been studied sufficiently in patients with advanced cancer, and the mechanism through which social support might influence BF is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and BF in Chinese patients with advanced cancer as mediated by their perceptions of spirituality. This was a correlation study with a cross-sectional design. We recruited advanced-cancer patients (n = 208) from China. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and they were asked to complete the Benefit Finding Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Spiritual Attitude and Involvement List. Social support was associated with greater spirituality and greater BF ( P < .01). Spirituality was positively correlated with BF ( P < .01). Results from mediation analysis identified that both the indirect effect of social support on BF via spirituality (indirect effect, 0.268; 95% confidence interval, 0.147-0.419) and its direct effect on BF (direct effect, 0.233; 95% confidence interval, 0.031-0.429) were statistically significant, suggesting a partial mediatory effect of spirituality between social support and BF. Our findings supported a positive association between social support and BF among Chinese advanced-cancer patients. The mediatory role of spirituality should provide a new perspective for augmentation of BF in these patients. Interventions that help enhance social support and spirituality in patients with advanced cancer could facilitate their BF.

The Effect of Social Support on Emotional Labor Through Professional Identity

Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the authors investigate whether and how social support impacts the emotional labor of live streamers through professional identity. They also explore the boundary conditions by focusing on the moderation effect of emotional intelligence. Based on a sample of 331 live streamers in the content industry, the results show that social support weakens (enhances) live streamers' surface acting (deep acting) by enhancing their professional identity. Emotional intelligence significantly moderates the professional identity-emotional labor relationship. In addition, they find that emotional intelligence strengthens the negative indirect effect of social support on surface acting through professional identity but weakens the positive indirect effect of social support and deep acting through professional identity. They also discuss theoretical contribution in emotional labor literature and practical implications for live commerce.

The Structural Relationship Among Middle School Students’ Perceptions of Social Support and School Adaptation: Focusing on the Mediating Effects of Grit

본 연구는 중학생이 지각한 부모, 교사, 친구로부터의 사회적 지지, 그릿, 학교적응의 구조적 관계를 밝히고, 그릿의 매개효과를 중심으로 사회적 지지가 학교적응에 미치는 직·간접 효과를 탐색하고자 수행되었다. 이를 위하여 한국청소년정책연구원에서 실시한 한국아동⋅청소년패널조사 2018 (Korean Children & Youth Panel Survey 2018; KCYPS 2018)의 3차년도(2020년) 중학교 1학년 패널자료 2,320명의 응답 자료에 구조방정식 모형을 적용하였다. 주요 분석결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 중학생이 지각한 부모 지지는 학교적응에 유의한 영향을 미치지 않았다. 둘째, 중학생이 지각한 교사 지지는 학교적응에 직접적으로 유의한 정적 영향을 미치는 것으로 확인되었다. 셋째, 중학생이 지각한 교사 지지가 학교적응에 미치는 영향에 있어서 그릿의 부분매개효과가 나타났다. 넷째, 중학생이 지각한 친구 지지는 학교적응에 직접적으로 유의한 영향을 미치지는 않았지만, 학교적응에 미치는 영향에 있어 그릿의 완전매개효과가 나타남을 확인하였다. 주요 연구결과를 토대로 중학생의 학교적응 수준 향상을 위한 다각적인 지원 방안을 제시하였다.This study reveals, from a middle school student perspective, the social support from parents, teachers, and friends, as well as the structural relationship of school adaptation and grit. Moreover, it explores the direct and indirect effects of social support on school adaptation, focusing on the mediating effect of grit. For this purpose, the structural equation model was applied to Wave 3 of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 (KCYPS 2018) data set (9th grade, N = 2,320), conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. The results are as follows: First, parental support perceived by middle school students did not significantly affect school adaptation. Second, teacher support perceived by middle school students had a direct and significant positive effect on school adaptation. Third, the effect of teacher support perceived by middle school students on school adaptation was partially mediated by grit. Fourth, the support of friends did not have a significant effect on school adaptation, but in terms of impact on school adaptation, it was found that grit had a fully mediating effect. Based on the findings, support and countermeasures are presented to improve the level of school adaptation of middle school students.

Indirect effects of social support and hope on quality of life via emotional distress among stroke survivors: A three-wave structural equation model.

ObjectivesStroke survivors are prone to functional impairments and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study examined the mediating role of social support and hope in the relationships between functional impairment, emotional distress, and QoL.MethodsA total of 188 stroke survivors in Hong Kong completed assessments on functional impairment, social support, and hope at baseline, with follow-up measurements of emotional distress at 2 months and QoL at 8 months. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of functional impairment on emotional distress and QoL via the mediating factors of social support and hope.ResultsThe partial cascading model provided an adequate fit to the data. Functional impairment had significant negative direct effects on hope and physical QoL and social support had significant positive direct effects on hope and physical QoL. Social support had a significant positive indirect effect on physical QoL via hope and perceived stress and on psychosocial QoL via hope and depression. Functional impairment and hope had a significant negative interaction effect on perceived stress.ConclusionThe findings support a mediating role for hope in the relationship between social support and QoL in stroke survivors. The protective effect of hope on perceived stress was stronger among patients with greater functional impairment.

Effect of social support on illness perception in patients with atrial fibrillation during "Blanking Period": Mediating role of sense of mastery.

To explore whether sense of mastery can mediate the relationship between social support and illness perception in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were at the "Blanking Period." A cross-sectional design. 405 patients with AF who were at the "Blanking Period" in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were recruited; they completed a set of questionnaires, including the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Personal Mastery Scale and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Social support and sense of mastery were both adversely connected to illness perception. The indirect effect of social support on illness perception through sense of mastery was negative, accounting for 86.04% of the total effect. During the "Blanking Period," better social support and sense of mastery contribute to a positive illness perception of AF patients. Social support also can influence patients' illness perception indirectly via the mediator of sense of mastery.