Journal of Applied GerontologyCarpenter / Family, P er, and Staff Support Family, Peer, and Staff Social Support in Nursing Home Patients: Contributions to Psychological Well-Being

This study examined whether nursing home patients identified social support as coming from institutional peers and staff as well as family members. Associations among social support from those three sources, psychological well-being, and motivation to participate in treatment were explored in 32 patients. A majority described peer and staff support networks that were as large as or larger than their family support network. Subjective perceptions of support, but not size of network, were associated with well-being. Perceived support from peers was associated with less depression, greater positive affect, and greater motivation. Perceived support from staff and familywas less consistently associatedwithwell-being andmotivation. Results suggest that peer and staff support contribute to the well-being of older adults and may complement family sup-port during inpatient admissions or residential stays. Clinical and programmatic interventions that facilitate peer and staff support might enhance patient well-being and stimulate participa-tion in self-care. When older adults face acute or chronic physical disorders, social support may be an important ingredient in their ability to copewith illness, participate in treatment, and sustain mental health (Antonucci & Akiyama, 1995; Bowling & Grundy, 1998; Cutrona, Russell, & Rose, 1986). Associations between social support and positive adjustment have been found in older adults recuperating from stroke (Stephens, Kinney, Norris, &Ritchie, 1987), cardiac illness (Holahan, Moos, Holahan, & Brennan, 1996), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Grodner et al., 1996), although equivocal associations also have been reported (McCusker et al., 1989). 27