The Effect of Social Support Types on Despair among Middle-aged Men: Focusing on Relative Deprivation

초록

This study examined the effects of social support from family and friends on despair among middle-aged men and investigated the mediating role of relative deprivation. Based on the Stress Main Effect Model, Social Comparison Theory, and the Cry of Pain Model, data from 233 Korean men in their 50s were analyzed using path analysis. Emotional support from family and informational support from friends were negatively associated with relative deprivation, while relative deprivation was positively associated with despair. The direct effects of social support on despair were not statistically significant. However, relative deprivation significantly mediated the relationships between emotional support from family and despair and between informational support from friends and despair. These findings suggest that social support may reduce despairs indirectly by alleviating relative deprivation. The results highlight the importance of strengthening social support and reducing relative deprivation to mitigate despair among middle-aged men.

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