Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
06:48
The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
10.9K
The convoy model: explaining social relations from a multidisciplinary perspective
Toni C Antonucci1, Kristine J Ajrouch, Kira S Birditt
1*Address correspondence to Toni C. Antonucci, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, PO Box 1248, Bay 5080, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
The Gerontologist
|October 22, 2013
Summary
The convoy model offers a robust framework for understanding social relations in aging. It integrates diverse research, guiding future studies on social connections throughout the life course.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Social relations are crucial throughout the lifespan and life course.
- Historical research highlighted the importance of social connections but often lacked theoretical and methodological integration.
- Anthropological findings underscored the role of social relations in achieving positive life outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the scientific origins of social relations research.
- To highlight the development and impact of the convoy model in the study of aging.
- To synthesize existing evidence and direct future research in social gerontology.
Main Methods:
- Review and critique of historical studies on social relations.
- Analysis of findings derived from the convoy model.
- Integration of life span and life course perspectives.
Main Results:
- Early research on social relations, while significant, often lacked theoretical grounding and methodological rigor.
- The convoy model emerged as a multidisciplinary approach to unify scattered evidence on social relations.
- The convoy model has yielded key insights into theory, methodology, policy, and practice in aging research.
Conclusions:
- The convoy model serves as a valuable framework for studying social relations in aging.
- It effectively elucidates the predictors and consequences of social connections across the life course.
- The model facilitates future empirical and applied research in gerontology.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
470
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
470
01:09Defining Social Psychology
764
Social psychology investigates how the presence and actions of others influence individual behavior, cognition, and emotion. Examining the social environment's impact provides a scientific framework for understanding how individuals perceive others and are, in turn, influenced by them. This field seeks to uncover the underlying principles guiding social interactions, exploring phenomena such as conformity, obedience, and prosocial behavior.Core Themes in Social PsychologyOne central focus of...
764
02:12Relationship Formation
28.6K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
28.6K
01:16Models, Theories, and Laws
7.4K
Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical system that is too complex to study thoroughly. One such example is the light wave model; unlike water waves, light waves are typically invisible to us. Nonetheless, it is helpful to think of light as being composed of waves, since investigations show that light behaves like water waves. Since it is impossible to visually see what is genuinely...
7.4K
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
522
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
522
01:14Multicompartment Models: Overview
716
Multicompartment models are mathematical constructs that depict how drugs are distributed and eliminated within the body. They segment the body into several compartments, symbolizing various physiological or anatomical areas connected through drug transfer processes such as absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination.
These models offer a more comprehensive representation of drug behavior in the body than one-compartment models. They accommodate the complexity of drug distribution,...
These models offer a more comprehensive representation of drug behavior in the body than one-compartment models. They accommodate the complexity of drug distribution,...
716