A study of the relationship between perceived social support, satisfaction with social support networks, and self-rated health in older adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social support, satisfaction with social support networks and self-rated health in older adults. The study used a cross-sectional correlational design to examine the hypothesis that perceived social support and satisfaction with social support networks would be positively correlated (p < .05} with scores on a selfrated health measure. The convenience sample consisted of forty-three subjects ranging in age from sixty-five to ninety-five years, with a mean age of 75.4 years. All subjects were able to speak and understand English, and were judged to have the physical ability to complete a written questionnaire packet. All subjects completed Pfeiffer's Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ} with no more than two adjusted errors, indicating intact mental functioning. The Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ-85} was used to measure perceived social support, and investigator developed measures were used to assess satisfaction with social support and self-rated health. A list of health problems common to older adults provided an index of actual health status. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for satisfaction with social support networks, age, self-rated health and the subscales of PRQ-85, Part II. While the hypothesis of the study was not supported, a significant inverse correlation was demonstrated between age and nurturance, indicating that as a person ages, the opportunity for nurturant behavior decreases. The results of the data analysis reflected the multiplicity and chronicity of health problems in this age group, but revealed that older people do not evaluate their own health according to the number or type of health problems they experience. Nor is their self-rated health score consistent · with the number and type of medications they take. Further, the data from this sample woula indicate that self-rated health in this age group is not dependent on one's perception of social support, nor their satisfaction with their so"cial support network.