Social Relationships and Quality of Life: The Role of Social Support, Social Capital, and Properties of Negative Social Exchange Networks

Background: A person’s social relationships provide a sense that one is valued and supported in ways that improve quality of life outcomes. However, a person’s social networks may include negative or ambivalent relationships that provide access to resources. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the contribution of negative relationships, social capital, and perceived support on a person’s quality of life. Method: This study uses an egocentric social network design ( N = 305) to examine whether social capital associated with negative relationship networks provides benefits to a person’s quality of life. Findings: Although perceived support demonstrated a consistent relationship across all domains, the social capital associated with negative relationship networks was significantly related to respondents’ social and environmental quality of life. Conclusion: Capturing information about the social capital associated with negative social exchange is essential to develop a complete understanding of the role of social relationships in supporting health.