Abstract
A body of evidence supports the role of social support as a buffer against stress in the development of depressive symptoms. However, there are several conceptualisations and measures of stress and their relationships to depression and social support are complex. Here, we tested a serial mediation model between measures of stress and depressive symptoms in 94 university students (Study 1) and 335 mothers from a longitudinal cohort (Study 2). In both cohorts, significant serial mediation effects are observed, linking the number and impact of negative life events, current distress, recent perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Social support buffered the development of depressive symptoms in response to perceived stress and not at other points in the mediation model. In Study 1, we found a significant moderating effect of perceived social support from friends and significant others, on the relationship between recent perceived stress and depressive symptoms. In Study 2, perceived social support from family and significant others moderated the link between perceived stress and depressive symptoms, and the stress from positive life events was also buffered by social support. By delineating the buffering role of social support against perceived stress, we hope our findings can inform social interventions for mental health.