Social Exchange Processes and Health: Evidence From Dyadic Designs

Abstract

Aims: This symposium aims to present state-of-the-art research on social exchange processes in couples, with a focus on dyadic designs with implications for health and well-being. Rationale: There is only a limited number of studies with dyadic longitudinal designs in couples so far, despite the great interest in the role of social processes for physical and emotional well-being. Carefully conducted observational studies provide the basis for developing effective interventions - not only for improving physical health but also well-being in couples. Summary: First, Lüscher et al. will focus on dyadic social support effects in smoking-smoking couples after a self-set quit attempt. Rackow and colleagues will then present effects of different kinds of social support on affect and physical exercise. Afterwards, Badr and colleagues will switch to spouses social control and patients symptom management during cancer treatment. Stadler et al. will talk about another social exchange factor, companionship, in healthy couples and smoker-nonsmoker couples. Karen Rook will provide a concluding discussion. Symposium timetable: 1. Lüscher et al., Less Received and Provided Social Support is Associated with Higher Quit Succes in Smoker-Smoker Couples 2. Rackow et al., Promoting Exercise Behaviour and Well-being: The Kind of Received Social Support makes the Difference 3. Badr et al., Spouse Positive Social Control is Linked with Better Patient Mood and Self-efficacy During Cancer Treatment 4. Stadler et al., Role of Companionship for Relationship and Health Outcomes: Evidence From Two Daily Dyadic Studies 5. Discussant: Karen Rook