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Explaining Cultural Differences in Evaluations of Emotional Support Behaviors

Exploring the Mediating Influences of Value Systems and Interaction Goals

Department of Communication at Purdue University

Steven R. Mortenson

Department of Communication Arts at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro

Research suggests that affirming, emotion-focused expressions of comfort effectively provide social support. However, little research has examined whether preferred approaches to providing support differ as a function of culture and, if so, why. This study sought to document, for both the Barbee and Cunningham typology of support behaviors and the Burleson hierarchy of comforting messages, whether there are cultural differences in preferred approaches to emotional support provision and, if so, what factors might account for these differences. Participants completed assessments of (a) the appropriateness of using solace, solve, dismiss, and escape behaviors, (b) the perceived sensitivity of comforting messages varying in degree of person centeredness, (c) interaction goal orientation, (d) the value placed on skill in comforting, and (e) collectivist and individualist values. Analyses indicated there were significant cultural differences in evaluations of support behaviors and that these differences were partially mediated by interaction goals and value orientations.

Key Words: cross-cultural communication • comforting • emotional support • collectivism • individualism • interaction goals • value orientations

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