The relationship between social support and self-care practices

A two-study approach was used to investigate the relationship between individuals' perceived level of social support and their performance of specific, positive health practices. One sample consisted of 97 adults, age 55 and older, attending activities at a senior citizen's center. The second sample was comprised of adults attending a health fair. Subjects were surveyed using the Lifestyle Questionnaire and the Personal Resources Questionnaire. The primary study hypothesis--that a strong, positive association would be found between the social support and health practices variables--was upheld for both samples. A secondary hypothesis--that married participants would score significantly higher on both the social support and health practices instruments than would their nonmarried counterparts--was supported only among the senior center participants. An additional hypothesis generated for the senior center participants--that participants with a confidant would have significantly higher scores on both the social support and health practices instruments--was upheld.