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A COMPARATIVE STUDY: THE SOCIALIZATION AND FAMILY VISITING PATTERNS OF THE ANGLO AND HISPANIC ELDERLY (FRIENDS)

C. BRUCE DAVIS, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the family and friends visitation patterns of the Hispanic and Anglo populations in South Omaha, Nebraska. The purpose was to determine whether or not significant differences exist between the two populations with regard to interaction with family members and friends. Additionally, the research sought to determine whether or not each group would turn to family members for various types of need in their lives. The subjects of this study were 204 older persons 60 years of age or older in the South Omaha area. The Anglo sample consisted of 103 respondents, while the Hispanic sample consisted of 101 respondents. Data was collected to conduct a split-half study of Hispanic and Anglo elderly, utilizing correlational (causal-comparative) design. A 37-item questionnaire was designed by the researcher to collect data on frequency of family and friends visitation, and to determine who the respondent would turn to in time of various kinds of need. The two following directional hypotheses were tested in the study: (1) Hispanic elderly are less likely to turn to family members in time of need than Anglo elders. (2) Hispanic elderly are less likely to have a friends network to turn to in time of need than Anglo elders. The results of the study indicated that: (1) Hispanic elderly in Omaha are more likely to turn to family members in time of need than Anglo elders, and, (2) Hispanic elderly in Omaha are less likely to have a friends network to turn to in time of need than Anglo elders. Implications from the study included the need to conduct similar research on a national scale, utilizing random sampling techniques. Additionally, there is a need for those serving the Hispanic community to be aware of the "at risk" individual who may not have a family support system. That person is very unlikely to have a friends network to supply his or her needs in the absence of family.

Subject Area

Gerontology

Recommended Citation

DAVIS, C. BRUCE, "A COMPARATIVE STUDY: THE SOCIALIZATION AND FAMILY VISITING PATTERNS OF THE ANGLO AND HISPANIC ELDERLY (FRIENDS)" (1984). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8427901.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8427901

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