The typology of social network relationships proposed by Rundall and Evashwick (1982) is reexamined in light of data from a survey of a random sample of noninstitutionalized elderly. The original four types of relationships (engaged, disengaged, trapped, and abandoned) are extended to include "discontented' and "alienated" relationships. Hypotheses derived from the typology are tested with data on use of physician services. The most common types of relationships found in this sample are the engaged, disengaged, and abandoned. Of these, the abandoned have the highest average number of physician visits. Promising avenues of further investigation are noted.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Calnan, M.1983"Social networks and patterns of help-seeking behavior."Social Science and Medicine17: 25-28.
2.
Cantor, M. H.1979"Neighbors and friends."Research on Aging1: 434-463.
3.
Chappell, N. L.1983"Informal support networks among the elderly."Research on Aging5: 77-99.
4.
Connor, K. A.1979"Social interaction and life satisfaction: and empirical assessment of late-life patterns."J. of Gerontology34: 116-121.
5.
Coulton, C.
and Frost, A. K.1982"Use of social and health services by the elderly."J. of Health and Social Behavior23: 330-339.
6.
General Accounting Office1977Home Health: the need for a national policy to better provide for the elderly. HRD-78-19. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.
7.
Green, V. L.1983"Substitution between formally and informally provided care for the impaired elderly in the community."Medical Care21: 609-619.
8.
Langlie, J. K.1977"Social networks, health beliefs and preventive health behavior."J. of Health and Social Behavior18: 244-260.
9.
Lindsey, A. M.
and Hughes, E. M.1981"Social support and alternatives to institutionalization for the at-risk elderly."J. of the Amer. Geriatrics Society29: 308-315.
10.
Litwak, E.
and Szelenyi, I.1969"Primary group structures and their functions: kin, neighbors and friends."Amer. Soc. Rev.34: 465-481.
11.
Mitchell, J. C.
and Trickett, E. J.1980"Task force report: social networks as mediators of social support."Community Mental Health J.16: 27-44.
12.
O'Brien J. E.
and Wagner, D. L.1980"Help seeking by the frail elderly: problems in network analysis."Gerontologist20: 78-83.
13.
Rundall, T. G.
and Evashwick, C.1982"Social networks and help-seeking among the elderly."Research on Aging4: 205-226.
14.
Shanas, E.1979"The family as a social support system in old age."Gerontologist19:169-174.
15.
1967"Family help patterns and social class in three countries."J. of Marriage and the Family29: 257-266.
16.
Silverstone, B.1978"Family relationships of the elderly: problems and implications for helping professionals."Aged Care and Services Rev.1: 2-9.
17.
Symer, M.1980"The differential usage of services by impaired elderly."J. of Gerontology35: 249-255.
18.
Stephens, R. C.
, Blau, Z. S., Oser, G. T. and Millar, M. D.1978"Aging, social support systems and social policy."J. of Gerontology Social Work1: 33-45.
19.
Wan, T.T.H.
, Odell, B. G. and Lewis, D. T.1982Promoting the Well-Being of the Elderly. New York: Haworth Press.
20.
Zimmer, A. H.
and Mellor, M. J.1982"The role of the family in long-term home health care."Pride Institute J. of Long Term Home Health Care1: 20-25.
