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01-10-2009

The structure of dyadic support among couples with and without long-term disability

Authors: Dvorit Gilad, Yoav Lavee, Orly Innes-Kenig

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2009

Abstract

This study examines support relationships among 65 couples in which the husband had a long-term spinal cord injury, and a comparison group of 65 couples without disability. Based on facet theory, we constructed a mapping sentence that forms a definitional framework for couple support, and developed a detailed inventory to assess attitudes regarding mutual support in couple relations, the sense of support availability, support behaviors of giving and receiving, the degree to which the support meets one’s needs, response to received support, and preference for support from within the couple and from external sources. These are all measured with respect to instrumental, emotional and informational support. Smallest space analysis showed various structures of the relations between elements of support among men and women living with and without disability, as well as a core element of reciprocal support common to both men and women in couples with and without disability.

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Facets B and C are based primarily on current theory and literature on couple support, as reviewed above. Facets A and D were developed based on the qualitative interviews that illuminated specific experiences of support in couples, thus enriching the definition of the concept. Facet E (range) is a basic component in Facet theory that is commonly used in Likert-type scales.

The reasons for refusal were not known. It could partly be explained by a condition of participation that both spouses be willing to participate (see “Procedure”).

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Title: The structure of dyadic support among couples with and without long-term disability
Authors: Dvorit Gilad
Yoav Lavee
Orly Innes-Kenig
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2009
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-009-9216-5

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Springer Medicine

The structure of dyadic support among couples with and without long-term disability

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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