The effects of social support on perceived health of Spanish elders

by Kengott, Margaret JoAnn.

THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON PERCEIVED HEALTH OF SPANISH ELDERS By Margaret JoAnn Kengott Literature from the United States has shown a positive link between social support and health outcomes, but studies from Spain do not confirm that link. The purpose of this research is to explore the effects of social support on the perceived health of Spanish elders. A secondary analysis was conducted with data collected by the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain) from 2004- 2005. Social support was measured by reciprocity, cohabitation and total satisfaction with support from relationships. Demographic variables of gender, education and age were included as control variables in tests of the relationship between social support and perceived health. Findings revealed that reciprocity, cohabitation, and gender have an influence on Spanish elders’ self-ratings of health. Cultural context clearly plays a role in the relationship between social support and perceived health. The added value of a comparative analysis for expanding our understanding of social support and health outcomes is demonstrated in this research.