Reciprocal and Nonreciprocal Social Support: Contrasting Sides of Intimate Relationships

Abstract

This study focused on the perception of reciprocal and nonreciprocal support within the natural support network of family and friends. Data from a national probability sample of 718 middle-aged and older adults were examined. Hypotheses based on equity theory were developed to test the effect of perceived reciprocated versus nonreciprocated confiding and sick care vis-à-vis spouse, children, and friends. Initial results indicated that the modal response for all age groups was reciprocated confiding and sick care. However, a closer examination revealed a complex pattern of the extent and effects of perceived support when considering different relationships. These findings are discussed within a life-course perspective with individuals providing and receiving support over time.

Social Support in an Urban Moroccan Neighborhood: the Effects of Social Networks, Mediation and Patronage on the Physical Health and Psychological Adjustment of Women

“…The one comparison of average frequency of support indicates that the Moroccan group received more support than did the other group. For comparisons of reciprocity, levels among the Moroccan group appear fairly high and consistent with those sampled by Ingersoll-Dayton and Antonucci (1988), while both of these groups reported far greater reciprocity levels than did Thomas et al (1988). The remainder of the reviewed results (where comparable) appear relatively consistent with the results of the present study.…”

“…25 Israel and Antonucci (1987) found that the effects of reciprocity in emotionally supportive relationships were an important determinant of psychological functioning but that reciprocity in instrumental exchanges (or the lack of it) had no effect. At the same time, Ingersoll-Dayton and Antonucci (1988) found that the effects of reciprocity were different for interactions with children compared to those with spouses, in part as a function of expectations for those relationships. Those respondents who expected to confide in and provide care for their adult children in an unreciprocated manner were likely to perceive that their networks were more demanding than those who did not.…”

Deference as a Form of Reciprocity Among Residents in Assisted Living

“…, older people continue to find ways to contribute to others (Ingersoll-Dayton and Antonucci 1988;Walker, Pratt, and Oppy 1992). Thus far, much of the research on relationships between older care receivers and their caregivers has examined these exchanges from a unilateral perspective.…”

The Measurement of Reciprocity in Ego-Centered Networks of Personal Relationships: A Comparison of Various Indices

“…In general, the correlations and the exvlained variances were low or moderate (conlparable to those in the studies by Rook 1987 andIngersoll-Dayton andAntonucci 1988. The latter, however, did not first investigate the roles of the network size and support received.)…”

“…Specific indices pertaining to distinctions among the partner, children, other relatives, and friends can provide greater insight. Yet the results of the studies by Rook (1987) and by InersollDayton and Antonucci (1988), in which these distinctions were made, did not significantly explain more of the variance and therefore were not very encouraging. Further, it is possible that the impact of nonreciprocity on well-being differs for males and for females, and for individuals in different circumstances and different stages of the life course (Antonucci and Jackson 1989;Finch 1987).…”