Negative effects of close social relations

This study examines close social relations among older married adults with children. Results indicated that women named more close relationships than did men and were less happy the more people they named, though this was not true of less close relationships. People who reported negative feelings about network members were less happy. Specifically, men who wanted more people they could depend on and who felt their network was too demanding were less happy, while women who felt that their network members got on their nerves were less happy. These results suggest that not all aspects of close relationships are positive and that women may not necessarily be advantaged by having more people with whom they feel close.

Duke Scholars

Author Jennifer Lansford Sanford School of Public Policy