Social support, perceived control, and well-being: a study of an environmentally stressed population

Interviews were conducted with elderly residents of an area targeted for massive redevelopment. Social support was considered simultaneously with health and personal control beliefs in relation to well-being, and the unresolved issue of the sufficiency of one support figure was explored. Health, control, and support each emerged as independent predictors of after and life satisfaction, and affect was significantly lower for those with no close support figure than for those with one close relationship. The results suggest that one close support figure may be sufficient to promote well-being, but alternative interpretations are possible.