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Comparative Study

| Published: September 25, 2016

Perceived Social Support, Affect and Psychological Well-Being in Married and Widowed Older Adults

Tina Fernandes

Head, Dept. of Psychology, St. Francis College for Women, Begumpet, Hyderabad, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Nandini Sanyal

Asst. Prof., Dept. of Psychology, St. Francis College for Women, Begumpet, Hyderabad, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Soundarya Dhupar

Graduate Student, St. Francis College for Women, Begumpet, Hyderabad, India Google Scholar More about the auther

DIP: 18.01.196/20160304

DOI: 10.25215/0304.196

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study is to observe whether there is a relationship between perceived social support, positive and negative affect and psychological well-being among married and widowed older adults. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 120 older adults, aged above 60 years, out of whom 60 were men (30 married and 30 widowed) and 60 women (30 married and 30 widowed). The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) (Cohen & Hoberman, 1983), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988b) and Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (Ryff, 1989) were administered to measure perceived social support, positive and negative affect and psychological well-being respectively. Significant differences were found between married and widowed older adults with respect to positive and negative affect and psychological well-being (p <0.05) There were no significant gender differences with respect to perceived social support, affect and psychological well-being. The study also showed significant correlations between the dimensions of perceived social support, positive and negative affect and psychological well-being (p<0.05). Details are discussed in the paper. The study brings to light that affect plays a significant role in the psychological well-being of older adults and encouraging of social networks can help sustain successful aging.

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Tina Fernandes @ nandini80roy@gmail.com

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Article Overview

ISSN 2348-5396

ISSN 2349-3429

18.01.196/20160304

10.25215/0304.196

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Published in   Volume 03, Issue 4, July-September, 2016