Social Networking Theory

What does the social networking theory do?

-Influence health behaviors

-shift focus from the individual to relationship w/ others

What does it measure?

-relationships

-treat relationship as objects of study

3 main components of (SNT)

1) people/actors base behaviors based on network environment

2) position in network influences behavior

3) Networks have structures and these network properties influence system performance

Social Networking Theory

focuses on the role of social relationships in transmitting information, channeling personal or media influence, and enabling attitudinal or behavioral change

Homophilly

tendency of individual to associate with people similar to them

Postitions in Network

-Central

-Bridging

-Peripheral

Central

prominent position, sensitive to community norms and values

Bridging

connects otherwise disconnected groups

Peripheral

individuals free from social norms

Structural Properties

-Homogencity

-Reciprocity

-Intensity/Strength

-Complexity

-Density

-Formality

-Geographic Dispersion

-Directionality

Homogencity

network members know and interact with each other

Reciprocity

resources and support are both given and received in a relationship

-high rates of reciprocity are indicative of trusting relationships and cohesive network

Intensity/Strength

social relationship offer emotional closeness

-stronger relationship —> more influence

Complexity

extent to which social relationships serve many functions

Density

extent to which network members know and interact with eachother

Formaltiy

Extent to which social relationships exist in context of organizational or institutional roles

Geographic Dispersion

network members live in close proximity to focal person

Directionality

members of dyad share equal power and influence

Functions of Social Networks

-Social Capital

-Social influence

-Social undermining

-Companionship

-Social Support

Social Capital

resources characterized by norms of reciprocity and social trust

Social influence

process by which thoughts and actions are changed by actions of others

Social undermining

others express negative feedback or criticism or hinder one’s goals

companionship

sharing leisure or other activities with network members

social support

aid and assistance exchanged through social relationships and interpersonal transactions

Types of Social Support

-Emotional

-Instrumental

-Informational

-Appraisal

Emotional support

expression of empathy, love, support

Instrumental support

tangible aid and service

Informational Support

proving advice and suggestions

Appraisal Support

information that is useful to self evaluation

Social Support influences….

psychological and behavioral processes

Theoretical Models

1.Stress-buffering pathway

–Social support diminishes the negative health effects of stress

2. Direct effect pathway

–Health-enhancing influence of social support

3.Stress-prevention pathway

–Social support prevents stress