The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction in Elderly Individuals: A Field Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between perceived social support and life satisfaction. Methods: The cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out between the dates of 01.11.2018-30.01.2019 among the elderly living in Adalar District of Istanbul. In the data collection phase, the volunteer consent form, sociodemographic information form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction Scale were applied to the sample group. Results: 383 people participated in this study. 47.8% were male and 52.2% were female. The mean Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support scores of the participants were 4.7±1.55 points (min-max: 1-7 points). The mean Life Satisfaction Scale score of the participants was calculated as 23.2±5.8 (min-max: 5-35 points). There was a weak significant positive correlation between Life Satisfaction Scale scores and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support total score. There was a weak significant positive correlation between the Life Satisfaction Scale score and each sub-heading scores of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. While 8.4% of the participants had an insufficient life satisfaction, 20.6% had a life satisfaction slightly below the average. Conclusion: As the social support perceived by the participants increases, life satisfaction increases significantly.