Based on exchange/equity theory, the study explored the views of older women in assisted living facilities regarding reciprocity of exchange of social support with a close friend. Study participants were 92 chronically ill older women aged 65 to 98. In individual interviews, participants responded to 4 vignettes depicting situations in which there was an imbalance of exchange with a friend. Background characteristics of the participants were also assessed. Qualitative analysis was used to examine responses to the vignette situations. Although most of these older women affirmed reciprocity norms to a degree, findings could be better explained by norms of altruism and of loyalty to friends, despite inequality of exchange associated with infirmities of aging.
목차
Abstract Method Sample Measures Procedure Results Characteristics of Study Participants Responses to the Reciprocity Vignettes Discussion References