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“We Help each Other”: Relational Patterns among Older Individuals in South African Samples

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  • Angelina Wilson

    (North-West University
    Education and Skills Development Unit, Human Sciences Research Council)

  • Marie P. Wissing

    (North-West University)

  • Lusilda Schutte

    (North-West University)

Abstract

The present study aimed to describe the reasons for the importance of relationships for older individuals living in urban and rural sites in South Africa. Participants were selected from urban (n = 50, males = 14, females = 36; mean age = 70, SD = 8.35) and rural (n = 50; males = 16 females = 34; mean age = 67, SD = 5.31) areas in the North West Province of South Africa. Thematic analysis was implemented to explore participants’ important relationships and the reasons thereof. Both samples experienced provision and expectation of sustained support, personal identity and security via spiritual relatedness. Whereas the expression of affection for the nuclear family was unique to the urban sample, the rural sample expressed the need for dependable, trusting relationships. Interventions to improve relational well-being must consider a plurality of dimensions such as the self, others, the supernatural, and the unique social context.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelina Wilson & Marie P. Wissing & Lusilda Schutte, 2019. "“We Help each Other”: Relational Patterns among Older Individuals in South African Samples," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(5), pages 1373-1392, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:14:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s11482-018-9657-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-018-9657-5
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    2. Xinyu He & Daniel T. L. Shek & Wenbin Du & Yangu Pan & Yin Ma, 2022. "The Relationship between Social Participation and Subjective Well-Being among Older People in the Chinese Culture Context: The Mediating Effect of Reciprocity Beliefs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-14, December.

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