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KMID : 0379220080280030515
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Journal of Korea Gerontological Society
2008 Volume.28 No. 3 p.515 ~ p.533
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Effects of Providing Support to Informal Social Network on Mental Health of the Elderly: Focused on Gender Difference
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Min Ki-Chae
Lee Jeong-Wha
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Abstract
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In spite of rapid socio-cultural changes and an increase of older people with resources and better health, most of the research about social network in Korea is focused on the elderly as support receivers of informal social network. Thus, we do not have enough information about the elderly as support providers and their impact on mental health of the elderly. So, the main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of providing support to informal social network on the mental health of the elderly in Korea. For the purpose, the data was gathered from 356 elderly aged 60 and over, using structured questionnaire. The statistical methods used for data analysis were descriptive statistics, cross tables, t-test, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis with SPSS WIN 12.0 programs. Hierarchical multiple regression models were controlled for several demographic variables and estimated for effects of providing support to informal social network. Research questions were analyzed by gender. The results obtained from the study confirm that the effects of providing support to informal social network were not always associated with positive effects on the mental health of the elderly and there were differences according to gender of the elderly, relationship of the aided person and contents of support. It also suggested that providing emotional support to friends & neighbors has positive effects on mental health of male and female elderly.
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KEYWORD
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Informal social network, Providing Support, Mental Health, The elderly
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