Friendship, an exchange theory approach to ageing.
Item
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Title
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Friendship, an exchange theory approach to ageing.
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Identifier
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AAI8820903
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identifier
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8820903
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Creator
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Steele, Wendy Levitt.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Michael Smith
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Date
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1988
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work
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Abstract
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Older people are often isolated from mainstream society due to health or circumstances of living. This isolation can contribute to mental health problems and physical deterioration which may lead to pre-mature placement in nursing homes or even hospitalization. The purpose of this project is to examine the benefits of a Friendly Visiting Program. This program, viewed from the perspective of mutuality and reciprocity, could reduce the isolation felt by elderly homebound participants. Analysis of the program is based on exchange theory which states that a relationship is most successful when each party feels benefited. The value of the exchange is determined by the recipient and can be either concrete or emotional. If an exchange is successful, that is, both parties satisfied, it will continue. An unrewarding relationship will either adapt to the needs of the partners or terminate. The exchange is not necessarily equal but rather a match of what each person wants to give of him/herself.;Pertinent theories on ageing are reviewed including disengagement, activity, role, developmental, symbolic interaction and balance theory. Their applicability for the elderly is examined and critiqued.;The study is an exploratory research project involving 25 older people and 21 volunteers who are participating in a Friendly Visiting Program under the direction of Project DOROT in New York, New York.;Elderly participants ranged in age from 60 to 94 with physical health and mobility rated most problematic. Mental health, hearing and sight were reported from fair to good by a majority of respondents.;Elderly and volunteer participants reported 100% that their friend cared about them. Over 88% of all particpants shared their thoughts and feelings with each other, felt they had something to offer their friend, trusted each other, and felt that the relationship was mutually rewarding. Volunteers felt that they received friendship and a sense of helping others as well as an exchange between generations. Older people felt that friendship, caring and contact with other people were most important.;Friendships were based on mutuality and reciprocity thus supporting exchange theory as relevant to the field of ageing. A training manual was developed to assist agencies in training volunteers to foster mutuality with relationships.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
