The present study proposed an expanded matching hypothesis, based on the specificity hypothesis of Cohen & Mckay (1984) but assumed that support operated more than simply a stress buffer. Data obtained from 175 Chinese students were analysed. Items of perceived, actual, and needed support (coping requirements) from the Social Support Scale for Chinese students in Japan (Jou, 1993) and items of stressors, physical-mental health, and happiness were employed. The results suggested that (1) support showed not only direct or buffering effect but also other interactive effects. (2) The specificity of support did not usually show buffering effects. (3) Perceived support showed direct, buffering, and other interactive effects (limited and amplified effect), while actual support showed mainly directed effects. (4) The effect of stressor, support, or interaction between two differed according to physical-mental health and happiness.
Japanese Journal of Social Psychology 10 (3), 196-207, 1995
The Japanese Society of Social Psychology