Impact of Perceived Social Support and Perceived Stress on Positive & Negative Affect among Adults

Abstract

The present paper examines the impact of perceived social support and perceived stress on positive and negative affect among adults. A total sample of 132 participants were taken falling in the age range from 18-25. The participants completed three questionnaires including Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Perceived Stress Scale and Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale. For statistical analysis, Pearson moment correlation and multiple regression were applied through SPSS software. The results revealed that there is a significant correlation between perceived social support, perceived stress and positive and negative affect. Regression analysis indicated that high perceived social support is a significant predictor of positive affect and low perceived social support is a significant predictor of negative affect. On the other hand, as perceived stress increases, positive affect decreases and negative affect increases, accounting to be a significant predictor of negative affect. The ANOVA results confirm the significance of the regression models. The overall results of the study highlight the importance of social support and reducing the stress to maintain the emotional and psychological well-being and affects of an individual.