The dynamics of social support and affective well-being before and during COVID: An experience sampling study

Based on the dynamic motivational activation (DMA) theoretical framework, this study examines the dynamic, reciprocal relationship between social support and affective well-being in both face-to-face (F2F) and online channels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using experience sampling method, 2002 surveys on F2F and online interactions were collected from 64 participants. Dynamic panel modeling results showed that emotional support was associated with lower emotional discomfort toward F2F and online social interactions. Then, the emotional discomfort toward the F2F interactions drove the subsequent pursuit of emotional support, practical support, and informational support on the online channels. Additionally, findings suggested that individuals were more likely to obtain informational support via F2F communication after experiencing stronger emotional discomfort online during the pandemic. •Emotional support was linked to lower emotional discomfort.•The emotional discomfort toward F2F interactions drove the subsequent pursuit of social support on online channels.•During the Pandemic, individuals were more likely to obtain informational support via F2F interactions after experiencing stronger emotional discomfort online.