When Are Low Person-Centered Support Messages Effective and Appropriate? A Qualitative Validation and Revision of the LPC Message Effectiveness Model

The recently proposed LPC Message Effectiveness Model established the conditions when recipients may perceive LPC messages as less harmful or potentially effective. Our study uses qualitative analyses to identify aspects of the model that should be revised or expanded, including considering how both relational closeness and distance may work in favor of LPC messages, expanding the mediator variable goodwill to the broader concept of credibility, and adding expectancy violations and confirmations as an influence on perceived message accuracy. We also specify that, for some people, no one can communicate LPC messages effectively, thus creating a boundary for the model.