The purpose of this paper was to review the social support literature for the most frequently used and most effective theoretical and operational definitions, antecedents and consequences.
The emphasis of this paper was placed upon social support in the aged population, as elders generally have more health problems, fewer resources and a greater need for supportive relationships than younger age groups.
The applied methodology was the process of concept analysis designed by Walker & Avant (1995). Approximately 85 articles were reviewed.