Effects of Social Support on Subjective Wellbeing: Adults in a Supportive Housing Program

Background:  Previous studies have qualitatively explored the social networks of formerly homeless adults. However, there are limited studies that quantitatively explored the social networks of formerly homeless adults. The mechanisms through which social network characteristics influence subjective wellbeing have not been given adequate attention in the literature. This study sought to understand the mechanisms through which social network characteristics are related to wellbeing. The study hypothesized that (1) Social network structure will have a direct effect on subjective wellbeing, (2) social network structure will be associated with perceived social support, and (3) Perceived social support will mediate the relationship between social network structure and psychological wellbeing.

Methods: Participants (N =80) were purposefully sampled from a permanent supportive housing program. Participants’ social network characteristics were assessed using the Social Network Questionnaire. Social network structural characteristics included network size, closeness, proportion of families, friends, professionals, and intimate partner in network. Perceived social support was assessed by asking participants if they have people in their networks to provide informational, emotional, and tangible support (4-point scale). The General Wellbeing Schedule was used to measure subjective wellbeing.

Results: Network structure was significantly associated with perceived social support (b=0.15, p<.001); perceived social support was significantly associated with subjective well-being (b=6.10, p<.05).  The mediation hypothesis was supported. There was a significant indirect effect of network structure on subjective well-being through perceived social support, (b=.93, BCa CI [.019, 2.136]). Controlling for the perceived social support mediator, the direct effect of network structure on subjective well-being was not significant (b= -1.17, p>.05).

Implications: This study suggests network structure may not have an influence on the subjective wellbeing of formerly homeless adults in supportive housing. However, this study suggests, among residents in supportive housing programs, a decrease in social support is associated with a decrease in subjective wellbeing. Thus, this study suggests it is important for social support interventions to be included in case management plans.