Abstract
Ageing is a major transitional phase marked by stress. The present study aimed at investigating the influence of social support on the psychological well-being among the geriatric population. Social support is one of the important functions of social relationships. Social support is always intended by the sender to be helpful, thus distinguishing it from intentional negative interactions (such as angry criticism, hassling, undermining). Social support is commonly categorized into four types of behaviors (Emotional, Instrumental, Informational and Appraisal). Psychological well-being is used to describe an individual’s emotional health and overall functioning. The method of purposive sampling was used for data collection and the total sample consisted of one hundred and forty (140) individuals above the age of sixty years. Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) developed by Cohen & Hoberman was used to assess social support and Ryff’s scale of Psychological Wellbeing was used to measure six theoretically motivated constructs of psychological wellbeing (autonomy, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, positive relationship with others personal growth and purpose in life). Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results indicated that all the dimensions of psychological wellbeing except personal growth and purpose in life have a significant correlation with the dimensions of Social Support (tangible support, belonging support, self-esteem support and appraisal support).
Highlights
Well-being has been studied extensively by social psychologists [1, 11]
Changes in the family structure, value system, respect, honour and the decline in status and authority, which the elderly used to enjoy in traditional society, results in their being relegated to an insignificant place in the society [5]
Psychological changes accompany the passing of years, decline in the ability to think, impairment of memory, decrease in enthusiasm, increase in caution in all Humera Shafi et al.: Psychological Wellbeing and Social Support Among the Geriatric Population respects and alteration in sleep patterns
Summary
Well-being has been studied extensively by social psychologists [1, 11]. The distinct dimensions of well-being have been debated, the general quality of well-being refers to optimal psychological functioning and experience. Changes in the family structure, value system, respect, honour and the decline in status and authority, which the elderly used to enjoy in traditional society, results in their being relegated to an insignificant place in the society [5]. Those who surrender their property in favour of younger members and have no control over the source of income, experience a loss of decision-making power. The loss of status and decision-making power is felt more by ageing women than men [6, 8] As people age they become more aware of their inability and incompetency, they begin to revise their ideas about themselves. Various socio-psychological problems emerge for the retired people due to the decline in the health status, income security and a break in professional routine
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