Cold thermal temperature threatens belonging: The moderating role of perceived social support
Chen, Z., Poon, K. T., & DeWall, C. N. (2015). Cold thermal temperature threatens belonging: The moderating role of perceived social support. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6, 439-446. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550614562843
2014 Impact Factor 2.561 | 5-year Impact Factor 2.856
2014 JCR Rank 10/62, Q1 in Psychology, Social | 2014 SJR Rank 19/262, Q1 in Psychology - Social Psychology
Abstract
Recent research suggests that thermal (cold vs. warm) experience influences people’s perception and construal of the social world. Extending this line of research, the present investigation examined whether cold thermal temperature would influence people’s psychological feelings of belonging. We found that drinking cold water threatened feelings of belonging (Study 1). An additional study replicated this effect and further showed that it was moderated by perceived family support, such that the effect of cold water on the belonging was only found among participants with low family support (Study 2). These findings not only strengthen the interconnection between social and physical experiences, but they also demonstrate the interactive effect of these two types of experiences on psychological feelings. Implications are discussed.