Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
21.1K
Who is at Risk? Social Support, Relationship Dissolution, and Illness in a Rural Context
Margaret Ralston1, Elyse Jennings2, Enid Schatz3
1Mississippi State University.
Sociological Inquiry
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Older adults in rural South Africa receiving social support depends on marital status. Men with disabilities or chronic conditions may receive less financial support if divorced, widowed, or separated.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Social support is crucial for older adults' well-being.
- Marital status can influence social support networks.
- Understanding health and support interactions in rural South Africa is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between physical health and social support receipt in rural South African adults aged 40+.
- To investigate the moderating role of marital status on these associations.
- To differentiate findings by gender.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression analysis was employed.
- Data from a cohort of adults (40+) in rural South Africa were analyzed.
- Emotional, physical, and financial support receipt were assessed separately for men and women.
Main Results:
- Physical health limitations (Activity of Daily Living limitations, chronic conditions) were not significantly associated with social support for women.
- Men with Activity of Daily Living limitations had reduced odds of receiving financial support.
- Marital status significantly moderated the relationship between health indicators and social support receipt for men, but not women.
Conclusions:
- Marital dissolution among men with health issues (disability or chronic condition) was associated with increased social support receipt.
- Social support dynamics differ significantly between genders in rural South Africa.
- Marital status is a key factor in understanding how health influences social support for older men.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
177
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
177
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
4.3K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.3K
02:12Relationship Formation
40.7K
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,...
40.7K
01:28Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
58
A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...
58
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
7.7K
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
7.7K
01:30Stress and Mental Health
202
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
202