Social Support: Theoretical Advances, Recent Findings and Pressing Issues

Abstract

The topic of social support has received increased attention over the last several years. At this point in time, with the benefit of much preliminary research, it is possible to move forward considering, and frequently correcting, limitations of the past and delineating the issues which are in most need of attention in the future. With this in mind, the purpose of this chapter is threefold: To outline the convoy model of social support which has benefited from previous theoretical approaches to social support but represents a life span extension of the concept. Second, to present a unique national study of the suppports of older adults which has recently been conducted and which represents the source of much of the data reported in the present chapter. And, finally, to delineate several issues and provide relevant information under a general rubric which can best be summarized as present knowledge/pressing issues. By this is implied some of the intriguing, interesting, puzzling, and/or contradictory findings in the literature. Where possible, relevant data from our national study will be provided which address these issues.