This dissertation proposes a Theory of Polite Support Seeking (TOPSS). Social support is a ubiquitous part of interpersonal relationships, but most research focuses on the role of the support provider and support recipient. However, TOPSS asserts that a support seeker can influence the support process by utilizing more or less effective support seeking messages. Drawing from face theory (Goffman, 1967), politeness theory (Brown & Levinson, 1987), and the attribution-emotion-intention model (i.e., attribution theory of motivation; e.g., Weiner, 1980), TOPSS posits that the dimensions of support seeking messages differentially threaten the positive and negative face of potential support providers (PSP), resulting in differences in PSP affect that influence support outcomes. Beyond formally proposing the theory, this dissertation serves as an initial test of the theoretical model. Findings provide partial support for the theory, revealing that the directness of support seeking messages indirectly influences support provision by decreasing perceived threat to positive face thereby increasing willingness to provide support. In combination, the proposal of TOPSS and findings of the initial theory test provide implications for social support theory, research, and practice.
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