| Abstract: | Examined (1) the extent to which there is agreement between an individual and his/her social network member in their report of whether social support is provided or received (i.e., veridicality); (2) the relation between veridicality and feelings of closeness; and (3) the effect of veridicality on well-being. Ss were part of a larger national study and included 218 principal Ss (aged 70–95 yrs) and 497 network members (aged 18–92 yrs). Veridicality was assessed by matching the congruence of perception between the principal and network Ss. Overall well-being was measured through an assessment of life satisfaction. Specific veridicality ranged from 49 to 60%; overall veridicality reached a high of 79%. When examined by relationship, both specific and overall veridicality was highest between spouses, somewhat high among other family members, and lowest among friends. Feelings of closeness were significantly related to veridicality; principal Ss who reported feeling close to their network members had greater veridicality. Veridicality was not significantly related to life satisfaction, happiness, or negative affect. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
