Questionnaires were mailed to 45 primiparous lactating women at six weeks postpartum to measure their perceived social support and its influence on lactation outcomes. Also evaluated were the size and structures of their support networks. Subjects were asked to share their thoughts and feelings regarding breastfeeding. There were no statistically significant differences between perceived support scores of women who considered themselves successful or those women who felt unsuccessful in their lactation experience. There was a significant correlation between numbers of health care provider support, informational support and perception of successful lactation. Thematic analysis identified differences in personality characteristics and focus of breastfeeding concerns. Increasing a woman's informational support network to include qualified health care professionals may increase the numbers of women who are satisfied with their breastfeeding experience.

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The extent to which theory and research were interrelated in 142 gerontologic nursing studies was examined using the Theory-Research Linkage Inventory, an instrument developed by the authors. Forty-six percent of the studies reviewed were related in varying degrees to a specific theory or model. Strengths and limitations were identified for the conceptual, empirical, and interpretive phases of the studies. However, the most problematic was the interpretive phase, where study findings and implications for practice should be linked to theory. Factors influencing the primarily unidirectional theory-research linkage are examined, and recommendations for the advancement of gerontologic nursing science are offered.