Abstract
The present study examined the effects that reciprocity of social support has on mental and physical health of young adults from the viewpoint that an individual is both an active and passive support provider as well as receiver. The questionnaire, completed by 505 young adults, included items that measured four kinds of support: requested by and provided to others, and requested and received by them. It also asked about the affects associated with support relationships, in addition to the level of adjustment and mental and physical health. Correlational analyses showed that young adults felt their support relationships were fairly reciprocal. ANOVA and multiple regression indicated that lack of reciprocity was in general associated with negative affects and poor health. Providing more support than receiving lead to dissatisfaction, and receiving more than providing to a feeling of indebtedness. Finally, the data supported the prediction that there was a path from support equity to affective state to mental and physical health.
