Summary
Contents
In this book, leading methodologists address the issue of how effectively to apply the latest developments in social network analysis to behavioural and social science disciplines. Topics examined include: ways to specify the network contents to be studied; how to select the method for representing network structures; how social network analysis has been used to study interorganizational relations via the resource dependence model; how to use a contact matrix for studying the spread of disease in epidemiology; and how cohesion and structural equivalence network theories relate to studying social influence. The book also offers some statistical models for social support networks.
Statistical Models for Social Support Networks
Statistical Models for Social Support Networks
Since the 1970s, community psychology researchers (e.g., Cassel, 1974; Cobb, 1976; Dean & Lin, 1977) have used the term social support to refer to social relationships in the context of health and well-being (Barrera & Ainlay, 1983). Early researchers conceptualized social support as a generalized resource available from one's network of friends and acquaintances (the social network) that helped one to deal with everyday problems or more serious crises. They then studied whether a greater amount of social support led to increased health, happiness, and longevity of life.
More recently, researchers have focused on the composition of the social network and its role in providing social support. These researchers now realize that ...
