Conjugal social support: patterns in later life.

This investigation of conjugal social support was based on 412 married respondents from a national sample of adults 50 years of age or older. A review of the literature yielded hypotheses concerning the exchange of three forms of support: emotional support, respect, and health-related support. Results showed that older respondents were least likely to provide each form of social support. These findings were reviewed in light of evidence for increased need for support in later life. The perceptual bases of social support were discussed in conjunction with the finding that women perceive less social support within marriage than men.