Abstract
Self-perceptions of adults living in suburban and rural environments were examined with respect to adequacy of their social support systems. A case study methodology examined (a) number, (b) type, (c) frequency of contact, and (d) satisfaction with social support sources. Results indicated that the number of formal (paid) social supports available to suburban and rural participants were roughly the same, and were used with similar frequency. However, a significant discrepancy was noted between groups with respect to utilization of informal (non-paid) supports. Suburban participants had more informal sources of support and utilized informal supports more frequently than rural subjects. Suburban participants also had a higher self-perception of the adequacy of their social support sources. Implications of these results for service provision in rural communities are elaborated.
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