Determinants of observed confidant support for divorced mothers

Bibliographic Data

ID6205232
AuthorsDavid S Degarmo (0000-0001-8449-3057, Oregon Social Learning Center, corresponding author), Marion S Forgatch (0000-0002-6114-9883)
Year1997
Volume72
Issue2
Pages336-345
Publication date1997-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality and Social Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3514 • E-ISSN: 1939-1315
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1037//0022-3514.72.2.336
PMID9107004
OpenAlexW1965333983
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited5

Marital separation can be a time of extreme stress and can significantly disrupt support networks and support processes when they are needed most. The purpose of this investigation was to test mechanisms of support erosion in a multimethod study of 138 divorced mothers and their confidants. Previous work was extended by using observational measures of confidant support in a process model including (a) maternal characteristics over time, (b) support person characteristics, and (c) relationship characteristics (intimacy and confidant relationship type). A hypothesized mechanism of erosion was supported in which ongoing maternal distress was positively associated with levels of confidant negativity, which in turn was related to lower levels of observed support. Having a partner was related to more intimacy than was having family and friends. Contrary to expectation, however, having a partner was related to lower levels of support, and intimacy was not related to observed support.

Developmental psychology · Distress · Emotional support · Negativity effect · Partner effects · Social support · Clinical Psychology · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Marriage and Family Dynamics · Psychology · Social Psychology