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Objective determinants of perceived social support
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Objective social network characteristics predict perceived social support, with kin being more effective than nonkin for certain support aspects. Network features better predicted support for the elderly than mothers, but explained limited variance.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Gerontology
- Sociology
Background:
- Perceived social support is crucial for well-being in various life stages.
- Understanding the link between objective social network structure and subjective support is vital.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated how network characteristics influence specific support components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how objective social network characteristics (size, contact frequency) predict perceived social support.
- To compare these predictive relationships in elderly adults and mothers of infants.
- To investigate the differential roles of kin and nonkin in providing social support.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of survey data from elderly adults (n=50) and mothers (n=71).
- Assessment of network size and contact frequency with kin and nonkin.
- Measurement of loneliness, overall social support, and Weiss's (1974) six support components.
Main Results:
- Kin were more effective providers of certain social support aspects than nonkin.
- Network characteristics were stronger predictors of perceived social support for elderly adults compared to mothers.
- Objective network characteristics explained a maximum of 30% of the variance in perceived social support for both groups.
Conclusions:
- Objective network structure has a limited, though significant, role in perceived social support.
- Future research should integrate interpersonal behaviors, contexts, and personality traits to better understand support dynamics.
- Targeted support interventions may need to consider the specific roles of kin and nonkin networks.