Patterns of social relationships and psychological well-being among the elderly

Author(s): Tamura, J., Tokoro, M.

Journal/Book: Int J Behav Dev. 1997; 21: 27 Church Rd, Hove, East Sussex, England BN3 2FA. Psychology Press. 417-430.

Abstract: On the premise that social relationships among elderly adults differ in terms of the most significant, dominant figure, this study aimed to examine: (1) whether there were qualitative differences in supportive functions between family-dominant and friend-dominant affective relationships, and (2) whether ''lone wolves'', who were deficient in human resources, had difficulties in maintaining their well-being. A total of 148 Japanese, over the age of 65, both living in communities and in institutions were individually interviewed about their social relationships using a self-report type method, the Picture Affective Relationships test, and their well-being was assessed using Depression, Self-esteem, Life satisfaction, and Subjective health scales. Results showed that there were no differences in psychological well-being between family-dominant and friend-dominant participants, but those who lacked affective figures had lower scores in subjective well-being than did their family dominant and friend-dominant counterparts. The generalisation of these findings to other cultures is discussed.

Note: Article Takahashi K, Catholic Univ Sacred Heart, Dept Psychol, Shibuya Ku, 4-3-1 Hiroo, Tokyo 150, JAPAN

Keyword(s): OLDER ADULTS; LIFE STRESS; SUPPORT; WOMEN; FRIENDSHIPS; POPULATION; AMERICANS; RESOURCES; QUANTITY; QUALITY

Zurück | Weiter