Abstract
Reciprocity is an important quality in caring relationships that influences social support and impacts both psychological and physical wellbeing among older adults. Reciprocity is a broad psychosocial concept and susceptible to challenges due to ambiguity making this concept analysis essential for ongoing development, particularly in advancing the science of caring. The aim of this article is to clarify the concept of reciprocity within the care relationships of older adults. The <xref>Norris method (1982)</xref> of concept clarification is the primary method used in analysis of this concept based on a sample of 35 research publications representing multiple disciplines over three decades. A concept process model is proposed that explains reciprocity as an outcome of social exchange that results from dynamic and multilevel contexts. These contextual features influence one another, yet perception of reciprocity is highly individualized. Reciprocity is an essential concept in understanding caregiving relationships in later life. This concept can be better understood and operationalized in research and practice because of this clarification.
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