Effect of actual social support on the loneliness and negative mood regulation expectancies of senior citizens

Pages: 307-311
Pooja Sharma and Anup Sud (Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla)

As social support has been observed as a main buffering agent to the well-being of elderly. In the present study impact of actual social support (provided by the researcher for the period of ten days). has been compared with the control group that was exposed to only breathing exercise, given only at one point. Assessment of the efficacy of the interventions has been made at three points prior to intervention, post intervention and at follow up for both intervention and control group.The supportive intervention has been found to be effective in reducing loneliness and enhancing the negative mood regulation expectancies, perceived availability of social support in terms of number as well as perceived satisfaction with available support among the senior citizens. This reduction has been independent of gender differences. However, no such changes have been observed in the control group.