The Differential Impact of Social Participation and Social Support on Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neika Sharifian ◽  
Daniel Grühn
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Wisconsin Longitudinal Study ◽  
The Impact

Being socially engaged is theorized to diminish age-related declines in emotional functioning. However, unique facets of social engagement may differentially impact functioning in older adulthood. In particular, social participation (SP) might be more beneficial than social support (SS) in buffering declines. The goal of this study was to examine whether interindividual differences in SP and SS influenced intraindividual change in Psychological Well-Being (PWB). The impact of SS and SP on change in PWB was investigated in two samples from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study spanning 19 years (1992–2011): graduate respondents and their siblings. Using latent growth curve models, small declines in PWB were found. Individuals high in SP demonstrated a less steep decline in PWB across the three time points than individuals low in SP. SS, however, did not buffer declines in PWB. Developmental implications of the age-related trajectory of PWB and the relationship with social engagement are discussed.

scholarly journals Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-being among Visually Impaired Individuals: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Positive Social Support ◽  
The Impact

Social support is an important resource which facilitates coping and raises the quality of life. This study examines how different forms of social support are perceived by the visually impaired individuals living in Turkey (positive or negative), and the impact on these individuals’ psychological well-being. This qualitative phenomenological study is conducted by semi-structured interview techniques and 21 visually impaired and volunteer (11 female, 10 male) adults over 18 years (M = 28, SD = 6,34) who live in Ankara participated in the study. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. There were 4 main themes: Centrality of the sighted world, negative social support, positive social support, and accessibility. The most frequently repeated sub themes were gathered under the main themes of negative social support and centrality of the sighted world; the majority of the participants mentioned the effect of living independently. Moreover, the lack of information in society and the negative effects of interference under the will to help are frequently mentioned. On the other hand, the sub themes of mutual support, perceiving blindness as a difference, not a deficiency were presented under the main theme of positive social support. Keywords: Visually impaired, perceived social support, psychological well-being

Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 1167-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Francis ◽  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Taj. W. Makki ◽  
R. V. Rikard ◽  
Shelia R. Cotten
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Information and communication technology (ICT) use can mitigate the negative impact of various age-related threats, such as isolation and loneliness, by facilitating connection with social ties and access to social support. Although research regarding various uses and benefits of ICTs among older adults has increased, there is limited research regarding the impact of technical difficulties on older adults’ well-being. Our study explores technical difficulties encountered, how older adults cope with ICT failure, and the various forms of social support that may result as a consequence of accessing technical support. We use data from nine semistructured focus groups conducted with older adults in the Midwest region of the United States. Results show that older adults may adapt new strategies for coping with the technical difficulties that arise from regular ICT use. Furthermore, as older adults incorporate ICTs into their daily lives and seek assistance from social ties and experts, they may also be indirectly combating the threat of isolation and loneliness.

Awareness of age-related gains and losses and their associations with psychological well-being: A longitudinal examination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany R Wilton-Harding ◽  
Tim D Windsor
Keyword(s):  
Growth Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives How people experience their own aging is more strongly linked to well-being than chronological age. This study examined associations of awareness of age-related change (AARC) with between-person differences and longitudinal changes in psychological well-being (PWB). We expected that higher AARC-gains would be associated with higher PWB and increases in PWB over time. Conversely, we expected higher AARC-losses would be associated with lower PWB, and steeper decline in PWB over time. Furthermore, we tested the interaction of AARC-gains and AARC-losses to examine whether negative associations between AARC-losses and PWB would be weaker among those reporting higher AARC-gains. Method Data were collected in three waves from a 12-month longitudinal study of 408 community-dwelling older adults (aged 60+). Multilevel growth models were used to analyze associations between AARC and a composite measure of PWB which included key components of PWB identified in self-determination theory (satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs), as well as vitality, and life engagement. Results At the between-person level, higher AARC-gains and lower AARC-losses were consistently associated with higher PWB. Furthermore, associations between AARC-losses and lower PWB were weaker among those with higher AARC-gains. There was no evidence to suggest the interplay of AARC-gains and AARC-losses had implications for change in PWB over time. Discussion Appreciation of age-related gains may buffer the impact of AARC-losses on PWB. However, longitudinal studies conducted over varying macro- and micro-time scales are needed to better understand the developmental significance of AARC for later life.

SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG UNEMPLOYED BRITISH ASIAN MEN

1993 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfusa Shams
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The North ◽  
Asian Men ◽  
The Impact

Different forms of social support as affecting psychological health were studied on a sample of 71 unemployed British Asian men in the north of England. Social support was measured in respect of five different forms of help from others. Measures were also obtained of psychological distress, financial strain, employment commitment and unemployment stigma. Family support and specifically support immediately after loss of job were found to have positive effects on unemployed men's psychological health. The findings are discussed along the lines of existing empirical evidence and the need to examine longitudinally the impact of social support on the psychological well-being of other ethnic minority groups is emphasized.

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