Introduction: Social support improves well-being, while self-disclosure plays a pivotal role in strengthening social support. Occupational therapy can contribute to enhancing social support by facilitating communication and self-expression among older adults.
Objectives: To examine the characteristics of social support among community-dwelling older adults and explore the relationship between self-disclosure and social support.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from 319 participants aged ≥65 years enrolled in a community-based health check-up. Social support was assessed using the Social Support Giving and Receiving Scale for the Elderly at Home, while self-disclosure with an adapted Self-Disclosure Questionnaire. Cluster analysis classified participants based on their social support characteristics, and regression analyses examined associations between self-disclosure and social support.
Results: Three distinct clusters of social support were identified: (1) low receiving and high giving, (2) low receiving and low giving, and (3) balanced or high receiving. Participants in the "giving" cluster were younger, had higher functional capability, and had more extensive social networks, while those in the "receiving" cluster were older with lower functional capability. Regression analysis revealed that greater self-disclosure to family members was significantly associated with higher levels of both giving and receiving support (p < .001). However, self-disclosure to friends and acquaintances was primarily associated with giving support (p = .023).
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of self-disclosure, particularly to family, in fostering social support among older adults. Occupational therapy interventions aimed at promoting self-disclosure and communication within families may enhance mutual assistance and improve the quality of life for aging populations.