Natural networks: Help‐giving and help‐seeking in two rural communities

Abstract

A group of 213 respondents in rural communities were interviewed about their help-giving and help-seeking behaviors related to 11 problems of living. Respondents were asked whom they had talked to within their natural community networks, who was most helpful, and how effective they rated the helping. The results indicate that over 80% of the respondents saw themselves as active help-givers and receivers in exchanges with spouses, friends, relatives, and others. A wide range of helping activities were reported, led by attempts to understand another person's situation and feelings and just listening. Differences in help-giving and help-seeking were noted. Respondents indicated a general willingness to tackle problems, a preference for help from people within their networks, and that this type of help is effective.

Understanding Citizen Response to Disasters with Implications for Terrorism

“…Since the time of Prince's study, a considerable literature has developed on the extent to which disaster victims depend upon the helping behaviour of non-victims in the community (Midlarsky, 1968;Vallance and D'Augelli, 1982;Watson and Collins, 1982;Young, Giles and Plantz, 1982;Lindell and Perry, 2003). Particularly in Western societies, such helping behaviour directed at (and among) victims can be a normative response.…”

Les orientations de recherche d’aide et la langue parlée

“…On y a souvent constaté que le réseau de relations sociales constitue une ressource importante d'aide pour les individus qui rencontrent des difficultés personnelles et familiales (Simard-Trottier, 1981;Gourash, 1978;Young et al, 1982).…”

Das soziale Netz der Nachbarschaft als System informeller Hilfe

“…Breitkopf, 1983) wird nachgewiesen, dass akute Krankheit eine typische "Aktivitäts"-und "Anlassdomäne" für Nachbarn darstellt. Zwar werden langfristige Versorgungs-und Pflegeleistungen kaum von Angehörigen der Nachbarschaft erbracht; nach Young et al (1982) spielen diese jedoch eine Rolle bei der Rehabilitation nach Krankheit sowie bei der Bewältigung von Einsamkeit und Trauer. Auch Naparstek, Biegel & Spiro (1982) betrachten nachbarschaftliche Kontakte als ideale Ressourcen für Personen, die Hilfe bei Alltagsproblem benötigen, die einsam oder traurig sind und bei der Rehabilitation nach Krankheit unterstützt werden müssen.…”