Heterogeneity in social networks: A comparison of different models linking relationships to psychological outcomes

We examined the utility of a broad conceptual framework that highlights the natural heterogeneity that exists in social networks. From this framework, we contrasted the positivity, negativity, outcome-specific, and ambivalence models in predicting psychological distress and well-being in 209 men and women using a cross-sectional design. Results revealed that the numbers of supportive and aversive ties were independent predictors of psychological distress and well-being. However, supportive ties were stronger predictors of psychological distress than aversive ties. The number of ambivalent ties was also an independent predictor of psychological distress compared to aversive ties. Consistent with our framework, failure to methodologically separate the co-occurring postivity and negativity in social relationships obscured associations between relationships and psychological outcomes. Conceptual and methodological implications of this general framework for the study of social networks and mental health are discussed.