Accounting for Changes in Social Support Among Married Older Adults: Insights From the MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging

Using longitudinal, community-based data from the MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging, the authors examined determinants of changes in social support receipt among 439 married older adults. In general, social support increased over time, especially for those with many preexisting social ties, but...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychology and aging 2003-09, Vol.18 (3), p.487-496
Main Authors: Gurung, Regan A. R, Taylor, Shelley E, Seeman, Teresa E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult. Elderly
Adults
Aged
Aging
Aging - psychology
Biological and medical sciences
Cognitive Impairment
Developmental psychology
Distress
Emotions
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Human
Human Sex Differences
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging
Male
Marriage
Married couples
Older people
Psychological Stress
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Sex Factors
Social Support
Society
Spouses
USA
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Summary:Using longitudinal, community-based data from the MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging, the authors examined determinants of changes in social support receipt among 439 married older adults. In general, social support increased over time, especially for those with many preexisting social ties, but those experiencing more psychological distress and cognitive dysfunction reported more negative encounters with others. Gender affected social support receipt: Men received emotional support primarily from their spouses, whereas women drew more heavily on their friends and relatives and children for emotional support. Discussion centers on the importance of social support provision to those with the greatest needs.
ISSN:0882-7974
1939-1498
DOI:10.1037/0882-7974.18.3.487