Comparing the Structure and Stability of Network Ties Using the Social Support Questionnaire and the Social Network List

Abstract

To compare the structure and stability of personal networks elicited by two popular network assessment instruments, 102 undergraduates completed the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Social Network List (SNL) twice over a 4-week interval. At both times of measurement, respondents delineated significantly larger networks using the SNL than using the SSQ, with a larger average number of friends being elicited by the SNL. Respondents averaged significantly higher global network satisfaction ratings for SSQ networks relative to SNL networks at both times of measurement. More of the same individual network members' names were repeated at the second time of measurement and more new network members were added at the second time of measurement on the SNL than on the SSQ. Implications for network research are discussed.

Keywords

network stability change network structure social network assessment

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adams, R.G. & Blieszner, R. (eds) (1989) Older Adult Friendships: Structure and Process. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Dickens, W.J. & Perlman, D. (1981) `Friendship Over the Lifecycle', in S.W. Duck & R. Gilmour (eds) Personal Relationships 3: Relationships in Disorder, pp. 159-172. London: Academic Press.

Fischer, C.S. (1982) To Dwell Among Friends. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Hays, R.B. (1988) `Friendship', in S.W. Duck (ed.) Handbook of Personal Relationships, pp. 391-409. Chichester: Wiley.

Heller, K. & Swindle, R.W. (1981) `Social Networks, Perceived Social Support, and Coping With Stress', in R.D. Felner , L.A. Jason , J.N. Moritsugu & S.S. Farber (eds) Preventive Psychology: Theory, Research & Practice, pp. 87-103. New York: Pergamon.

Hirsch, B.J. (1979) `Psychological Dimensions of Social Networks', American Journal of Community Psychology 7: 263-277.

Hirsch, B.J. (1980) `Natural Support Systems and Coping With Major Life Changes', American Journal of Community Psychology 8: 159-172.

Kaplan, R.M. & Hartwell, S.L. (1987) `Differential Effects of Social Support and Social Network on Physiological and Social Outcomes in Men and Women with Type II Diabetes Mellitus', Health Psychology 6: 387-398.

Kazak, A.E. , Reber, M. & Carter, A. (1988) `Structural and Qualitative Aspects of Social Networks in Families With Young Chronically Ill Children', Journal of Pediatric Psychology 13: 171-182.

10.

Lowenthal, M.F. , Thurnher, M. & Chiriboga, C. (1975) Four Stages of Life: A Comparative Study of Men and Women Facing Transitions. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.

11.

Malcolm, A.T. & Janisse, M.P. (1991) `Additional Evidence for the Relationship Between Type A Behavior and Social Support in Men', Behavioral Medicine 17: 131-134.

12.

Milardo, R.M. (1988) `Families and Social Networks: An Overview of Theory and Methodology', in R.M. Milardo (ed.) Families and Social Network, pp. 13-47. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

13.

Milardo, R.M. (1992) `Comparative Methods for Delineating Social Networks', Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 9: 447-461.

14.

Potter, A.E. & Williams, D.E. (1991) `Development of a Measure Examining Children's Roles in Alcoholic Families', Journal of Studies on Alcohol 52: 70-77.

15.

Rapkin, B.D. & Stein, C.H. (1989) `Defining Personal Networks: The Effect of Delineation Instructions on Network Structure and Stability', American Journal of Community Psychology 17: 259-267.

16.

Sarason, I.G. , Levine, H.M. , Basham, R.B. & Sarason, B.R. (1983) `Assessing Social Support: The Social Support Questionnaire', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 44: 127-139.

17.

Sarason, I.G. , Sarason, B.R. & Shearin, E.N. (1986) `Social Support as an Individual Difference Variable: Its Stability, Origins, and Relational Aspects', Jolurnal of Personality and Social Psychology 50: 845-855.

18.

Stokes, J.P. (1985) `The Relation of Social Network and Individual Difference Variables to Loneliness', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 48: 98f-90f.

19.

Van Sonderen, E. , Ormel, J. , Brilman, E. & Van den Heuvell, C. (1990) `Personal Network Delineation', in C.P.M. Knipscheer & T.C. Antonucci (eds) Social Network Research, pp. 101-120. Amsterdam: Swets & Zeitlinger.