3.2. Measures
3.2.1. Social support networks
3.2.1.1. Name network generators. The social support networks were measured using the ego-centered network methodology,
which is based on a two-step procedure. Firstly, the existing ties (i.e., alters) have to be identified with whom the respondent
(i.e., ego) has some sort of (supportive) relationship. Secondly, the characteristics of ties (e.g., duration and multiplexity)
have to be assessed. Drawing on the distinction between emotional support and social companionship, the providers of
social support were identified with the following two survey questions (also known as name generators):
Emotional support: ‘‘From time to time, people discuss important personal matters with other people; for instance, when
they have problems with other people or at work, and so on. Who are the people with whom you discuss personal matters
that are important to you?’’
Social companionship: ‘‘From time to time, people socialize with other people; for instance, they take a trip together or go
out for dinner, and so on. Who are the people you usually socialize with?’’
The emotional support generator is a modified version of the core discussion network generator developed by Burt
(1984). The social companionship network generator was first elaborated by van der Poel (1993) and later adapted and
tested in telephone surveys in Slovenia (e.g., Hlebec et al., 2006, 2010), demonstrating high levels of validity and reliability