State anger changes upon cathartic status updating on Facebook : moderation by perceived Facebook social support

Abstract

Catharsis has long been believed to be effective in reducing state anger. Over the years, cathartic behaviours have gradually evolved to also gain a place on social networking platforms. This study examined the effects of cathartic Facebook status updating on state anger. The mediating role played by perceived social support on Facebook will also be looked into. Three fictitious Facebook accounts were used for manipulation of perceived Facebook social support and also as the platform for cathartic status updating. Thirty-nine undergraduates underwent an anger-induction process and were assessed on their state anger before and after venting their anger through posting status update on Facebook. Contrary to common belief, it was found that the act of cathartic status updating increased state anger, which was attenuated by perceived positive Facebook social support. The current study failed to find any significant influence of perceived negative Facebook social support on state anger. These results offer insights into the influence of perceived positive Facebook social support on state anger and suggest the significance of perceived social support in mediating the effects of catharsis on state anger.