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. 2023;28(1):39-45.
doi: 10.1080/14659891.2021.2006340. Epub 2021 Dec 9.

Would I Have Your Support? Family Network Features and Past Support Exchanges Associated with Anticipated Support for a Substance Problem

Kelly L Markowski  1 , Jeffrey A Smith  2 , G Robin Gauthier  2 , Sela R Harcey  2
Affiliations

Would I Have Your Support? Family Network Features and Past Support Exchanges Associated with Anticipated Support for a Substance Problem

Kelly L Markowski et al. J Subst Use. 2023.

Abstract

Objective: Assessment of social processes underlying anticipation for recovery-related support from family in the event of a substance problem. We drew from literature on social support, substance use, and social networks to develop a path model connecting emotionally close family relationships, closeness among members in the wider family network (density), previous emotional support exchanges, and anticipated support.

Subjects and methods: We used a sample from the 2019 Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey (284 adults; 57% female; 94% white; 46.26% living in rural areas) and employed generalized structural equation modeling with logistic regression equations for our binary dependent variable (anticipated support).

Results: Denser family networks were associated with individuals' close relations with family (b = .18, p < .001), close family relations were associated with support received by (b = .25, p < .05) and given to (b = .47, p < .001) family, and only support given to family increased the odds of anticipated support (IRR = 4.32, CI = 1.13, 16.48).

Conclusions: Family-wide dynamics are important for understanding how support exchange relates to anticipated support. Prioritizing efforts to strengthen family relationships and improve the likelihood that at-risk individuals, especially in rural areas, can overcome substance problems is important.

Keywords: anticipated support; density; family; social support; substance use.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Interest Statement: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
High versus Low Density Example
Figure 2
Figure 2
Theoretical Model
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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