Types of Links and Regulation of sadness through the search for support and the selection of situations

Abstract

Population aging is generating changes in the world demographic structure. Old age has become the longest stage of life. In this context, it is important to know the factors that are associated with a higher quality of life in older adults. Considering the relevance of social support networks and the regulation of sadness in relation to well-being in the elderly, this study aims to analyze what types and characteristics of ties are chosen to regulate sadness through the Search for Emotional Support and Selection of Situations. A mixed type, non-experimental cross-sectional / correlational design was implemented. A non-probabilistic sample of intentional type was selected, of 100 elderly people, 50 men and 50 women who were administered a questionnaire of sociodemographic data, the structured interview of sources of social support and incomplete sentences. The results indicate that the most sought-after bond was friendship and the most avoided were children. When comparing by gender, it was found that women look for friends and men for partners, while they avoid friends and children, respectively. The reasons for seeking support are: to obtain support, company, reflect and be distracted. In contrast, avoidance is chosen for reasons of caring for oneself or caring for other people.