The dependency-support script in institutions: generalization to community settings

Abstract

This study tested the generalizability of the dependency-support script, a behavioral system describing and explaining dependent behaviors of the institutionalized elderly. A comparative study with 22 community-dwelling elderly was conducted, which identified typical interaction patterns between the elderly and family members or home health nurses. The dominant interaction pattern in the community setting, too, was the dependency-support script. In addition, however, a significant social response to independent self-care behavior was observed, which created a highly ambivalent response contingency. Independent behaviors were followed about twice as often by an incongruent (dependence-supportive) than by a congruent (independence-supportive) response. Expectations of incompetence and of the helping role are offered as explanations.