The relationship between social support and self-care practices

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Psychology
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Social support is recognized as a crucial factor influencing health behaviors.
• Understanding the interplay between social support and health practices is vital for public health interventions.
• Previous research suggests a link, but specific positive health practices and diverse adult populations warrant further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between perceived social support and specific positive health practices in adults.
• To investigate whether marital status moderates the association between social support and health practices.
• To explore the impact of having a confidant on social support and health practices among older adults.

Main Methods:

• A two-study approach surveyed 97 older adults (aged 55+) at a senior center and adults at a health fair.
• Participants completed the Lifestyle Questionnaire and the Personal Resources Questionnaire.
• Statistical analyses were employed to test the study hypotheses.

Main Results:

• A significant positive association was found between perceived social support and positive health practices in both samples.
• Married participants reported higher social support and health practices than nonmarried participants, but only in the senior center sample.
• Senior center participants with a confidant demonstrated significantly higher scores on both social support and health practices.

Conclusions:

• Perceived social support is positively associated with performing positive health practices across different adult groups.
• Marital status and the presence of a confidant may play a role in enhancing social support and health practices, particularly in older adults.
• Findings underscore the importance of social networks in promoting health behaviors.