Effects of Culture and Age on the Perceived Exchange of Social Support Resources

Abstract

This research explores the perceived exchange of social support resources of young, midlife, and older adults in the United States and Japan, and how perceptions of exchange may moderate attributions of control, difficulty, and success in attaining important life-goals. A survey was administered to participants in the United States and Japan who ranged in age from 17 to 70 years. Results suggested culture and age to influence the designation of important life-goals, and to interactively moderate the perceived exchange of social support resources in the interpersonal contexts of family and business associates and co-workers. Furthermore, relationships between the perceived exchange of social support and perceptions of control and success in achieving life-goals indicated different intracultural effects. Overall, these findings suggest nuances in the perceived exchange of social support and social cognitions that reflect the cultural orientations of young, midlife and older adults in the United States and Japan. A culturally grounded model of social support is proposed and discussed.

Social support and Quality of Life: a cross-sectional study on survivors eight months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

“…However, family support has been heavily weighted in the SSRS. Given the fact that the appropriateness of social support is culturally dependent [ 22 , 23 ], further research into the association between social support network structures and HRQoL is warranted.…”

The Strength of Strong Ties for Older Rural Adults: Regional Distinctions in the Relationship between Social Interaction and Subjective Well-Being

“…Anthropological literature highlights the importance of cultural context on social support (Jacobson, 1987). Meanings, expectations, and reactions to social support among older populations may vary according to national and local culture (Amato, 1993;VonDras, Pouliot, Malcore, & Iwahashi, 2008). Many contemporary studies that examine the influence of cultural context on social support interactions are cross-national.…”

Differential Item Functioning Across Race in Aging Research: An Example Using a Social Support Measure

“…Identified differences may also be a function of culturespecific perceptions of social support. It has been often suggested that the differences in Western and Eastern culture influence interpersonal social support (Tjosvold, Law, & Sun, 2003;VonDras, Pouliot, Malcore, & Iwahashi, 2008). Kim and colleagues (2006) explain that in Western cultures where the individualism is valued, explicit expressions of personal needs (such as advice, instrumental help, emotional comfort) are accepted and seeking help from others to meet such needs are encouraged.…”